Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Fargo
What to know before moving from San Diego to Fargo
Moving from San Diego to Fargo means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in Fargo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Diego compares to Fargo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Diego | Fargo | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,055 |
Average home value | $1,003,444 | $287,548 |
Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $59,493 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $1,566 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $3,299 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 3.6% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 2.9% |
- Rent prices in Fargo are 63% lower than in San Diego, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Fargo.
Home prices in Fargo are 71.3% lower than in San Diego. - Income in Fargo is 18.5% lower than in San Diego, 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 53.2% lower than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fargo is 57.3% lower than in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Fargo is 45.45% lower than in San Diego.
- You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fargo, since the city’s sales taxes in Fargo are 3.23% lower than in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Fargo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 78.20% lower than in San Diego.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,404.06 in Fargo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Fargo
Fargo | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Population | 125,990 | 1,386,932 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
Walkability score | 45 | 53 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 43 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 39.83 |
Safety Index | 56.17 | 60.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Fargo's population is about 91% less than San Diego.
- Fargo's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
- Fargo is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Fargo is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Fargo's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 8.0 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Fargo is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 56.17 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Fargo is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego 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
- Southpointe
- Stonebridge
- Horace Mann
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rose Creek
- Southpointe
- Centennial
- Pointe West
- Woodhaven
Things to do in Fargo
Now that you've made the move to North Dakota, it’s the perfect time to explore Fargo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fargo, such as the Fargo Air Museum, Roger Maris Museum, and Plains Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lindenwood Park, Rheault Farm, Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society, and Broadway Square — 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 San Diego to Fargo?
The best time to move from San Diego to Fargo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Fargo?
Because most people are moving from San Diego 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 San Diego to Fargo take?
The 1,865-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Fargo, ND, takes five to 16 days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fargo.