Factors influencing moving costs from Oakland to Fargotoggle

The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Oakland to Fargo can be as low as $1,555 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 11,909.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,180 to $3,241. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Oakland to Fargo

Moving from Oakland to Fargo means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oakland than in Fargo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Oakland compares to Fargo so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Oakland Fargo
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,055
Average home value $736,156 $287,548
Average income (per capita) $94,389 $59,493
Cost of living (single person) $3,146 $1,566
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,584 $3,299
Unemployment rate 4.5% 3.6%
Sales tax 10.25% 7.5%
State income tax 13.3% 2.9%
  • Rent prices in Fargo are 52% lower than in Oakland, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Fargo.
    Home prices in Fargo are 60.9% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Fargo is 37.0% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fargo include Noridian Mutual Insurance Company, TMI Hospitality, and Scheels.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Fargo is 50.2% lower than in Oakland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fargo is 61.6% lower than in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Fargo is 20.00% lower than in Oakland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fargo, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fargo are 26.83% lower than in Oakland.
  • One perk of moving to Fargo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 78.20% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,493.32 in Fargo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Fargo

Fargo Oakland
Population 125,990 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 45 75
Bike friendliness score 49 65
Crime Index 8.0 68.62
Safety Index 56.17 31.38
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fargo's population is about 71% less than Oakland.
  • Fargo's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Oakland's higher score of 8.
  • Fargo is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
  • Fargo has a bike-friendliness score 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100.
  • Fargo's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 8.0 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
  • Fargo is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 56.17 vs Oakland's 31.38.
  • Air quality in Fargo is good, and in Oakland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oakland vs. Fargo move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Fargo, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: All local and intrastate movers operating in the Flickertail State are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Each mover in good standing is issued an NDDOT Number, which consumers may check the status and validity of by calling the phone number listed below. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Dakota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Fargo. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, providing minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your selected moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Fargo

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Fargo", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fargo.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Longfellow
  • Rose Creek
  • Stonebridge
  • Lincoln
  • Horace Mann

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Rose Creek
  • Longfellow
  • Southpointe
  • Centennial
  • Woodhaven

Things to do in Fargo

Now that you've made the move to North Dakota, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Fargo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fargo, such as the Fargo Air Museum, Roger Maris Museum, and Plains Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lindenwood Park, Rheault Farm, Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society, and Broadway Square โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Fargo Force (USHL) and North Dakota State Bison (Summit League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Oakland to Fargo?

The best time to move from Oakland to Fargo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Oakland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Fargo?

Because most people are moving from Oakland to Fargo in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Oakland to Fargo take?

The 1,767-mile move from Oakland, CA, to Fargo, ND, takes five to 16 days. Some Oakland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fargo.

Helpful moving resources