Factors influencing moving costs from Fargo to Columbus
What to know before moving from Fargo to Columbus
Moving from Fargo to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Fargo, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Fargo | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,055 | $1,441 |
Average home value | $287,548 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $65,075 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,566 | $2,784 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,299 | $7,249 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.7% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 2.9% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 37% higher than in Fargo, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 16.9% lower than in Fargo. - Income in Columbus is 9.4% higher than in Fargo, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 77.8% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 119.7% higher than in Fargo.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 58.33% higher than in Fargo.
- Sales taxes are the same in Columbus and Fargo.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 20.69% higher than in Fargo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,333.33 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fargo.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Columbus
Columbus | Fargo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 905,748 | 125,990 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 41 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 49 |
Crime Index | 49.65 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 50.35 | 56.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 619% greater than Fargo.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Fargo's lower score of 4.
- Columbus is less walkable than Fargo with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Fargo's 45 out of 100.
- Both Columbus and Fargo have the same bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Fargo. 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.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 49.65 compared to Fargo's 8.0. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Fargo with a score of 50.35 vs Fargo's 56.17.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Fargo it's good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo vs. Columbus move
- Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Ohio, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toColumbus Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that youโve chosen "Arch City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Ohio home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Columbus?
The best time to move from Fargo to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Fargo to Columbus 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 Fargo to Columbus take?
The 995-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Columbus, OH, takes two to seven days. Some Fargo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.