Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Fargotoggle

The cost of Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Fargo can be as low as $1,526 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,877.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lafayette, 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 $1,005 to $2,574. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Fargo

Moving from Lafayette 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 Lafayette than in Fargo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Lafayette Fargo
Average rent cost $2,825 $1,055
Average home value $214,264 $287,548
Average income (per capita) $59,490 $59,493
Cost of living (single person) $1,785 $1,566
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,208 $3,299
Unemployment rate 5.8% 3.6%
Sales tax 9.45% 7.5%
State income tax 4.25% 2.9%
  • Rent prices in Fargo are 63% lower than in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette.
    Home prices in Fargo are 34.2% higher than in Lafayette.
  • Income is the same in Fargo and Lafayette. 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 12.3% lower than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fargo is 21.6% lower than in Lafayette.
  • The unemployment rate in Fargo is 37.93% lower than in Lafayette.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fargo, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fargo are 20.63% lower than in Lafayette.
  • One perk of moving to Fargo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 31.76% lower than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,631.93 in Fargo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Fargo

Fargo Lafayette
Population 125,990 121,374
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 45 42
Bike friendliness score 49 47
Crime Index 8.0 45.75
Safety Index 56.17 54.25
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fargo's population is about the same as Lafayette.
  • Fargo's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Lafayette's lower score of 3.
  • Fargo and Lafayette are similarily walkable.
  • Both Fargo and Lafayette have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Fargo is about as safe for cyclists as Lafayette. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Fargo's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 8.0 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
  • Fargo and Lafayette are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Fargo is good, and in Lafayette it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a North Dakota moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Dakota doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Fargo. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Fargo

Ready to relocate to "Fargo"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fargo.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Longfellow
  • Rose Creek
  • Southpointe
  • Lincoln
  • Horace Mann

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Rose Creek
  • Longfellow
  • Southpointe
  • Centennial
  • Woodhaven

Things to do in Fargo

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in North Dakota, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Fargo has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Fargo features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Fargo Force (USHL) and North Dakota State Bison (Summit League) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Fargo take?

The 1,368-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Fargo, ND, takes three to eight days. Some Lafayette 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