Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Fargotoggle

The cost of Columbia 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 Columbia to Fargo can be as low as $1,430 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,709.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, 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 $1,091 to $2,694. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Fargo

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

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

Columbia Fargo
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,055
Average home value $220,612 $287,548
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $59,493
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $1,566
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $3,299
Unemployment rate 5.2% 3.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.5%
State income tax 7.0% 2.9%
  • Rent prices in Fargo are 27% lower than in Columbia, 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 Columbia.
    Home prices in Fargo are 30.3% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in Fargo is 8.0% lower than in Columbia, 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 19.9% lower than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fargo is 22.8% lower than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Fargo is 30.77% lower than in Columbia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fargo, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fargo are 6.25% lower than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to Fargo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 58.57% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,401.84 in Fargo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Fargo

Fargo Columbia
Population 125,990 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 45 35
Bike friendliness score 49 35
Crime Index 8.0 3.0
Safety Index 56.17 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fargo's population is about 8% less than Columbia.
  • Fargo's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
  • Fargo is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 49 out of 100, Fargo is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Fargo's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 8.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Fargo is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 56.17 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Fargo is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in North Dakota, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While North Dakota doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fargo without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Fargo

With your sights set on "Fargo", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Fargo.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Longfellow
  • Rose Creek
  • Southpointe
  • Stonebridge
  • Horace Mann

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Rose Creek
  • Longfellow
  • Southpointe
  • Centennial
  • Pointe West

Things to do in Fargo

After settling into your new North Dakota home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fargo has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Fargo is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 Fargo Force (USHL) and North Dakota State Bison (Summit League) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 1,440-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Fargo, ND, takes three to eight days. Some Columbia 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