Madison, WI to Fargo, ND Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Fargo typically costs $2,400–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 503 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Fargo
Moving from Madison, WI to Fargo, ND typically costs $2,400–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 503-mile move from Madison to Fargo, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,707 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,219 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,848 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 29, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Madison to Fargo
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,900.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($500–$1,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Fargo movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to Fargo
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Madison to Fargo, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WI→ND movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 39 Wisconsin moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Madison to Fargo
Many movers find Fargo easier on the wallet than Madison - roughly 32% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,566 for one person in Fargo versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it's $3,299 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $963 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,563 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $287,548 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $59,493 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $1,566 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $3,299 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 2.9% |
- If you're heading to Fargo from Madison, you'll find that rent is roughly 34% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 22% less in Fargo than in Madison.
- Fortunately, the average income in Fargo and Madison is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fargo. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 32% lower than in Madison.
- Choosing to move to Fargo can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 40% less than in Madison.
- In Fargo, the unemployment rate is approximately 9% higher than in Madison, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 36% in Fargo over Madison, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 62% less in North Dakota than in Wisconsin. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Madison and Fargo:
| Living Expense | Madison | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $159.44 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.00 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.25 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Fargo.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Fargo.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Fargo.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Fargo.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Fargo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Fargo.
How life is different in Madison vs. Fargo
| Madison | Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 125,990 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 49 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 56.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fargo's population is about 53% less than Madison.
- Fargo's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Fargo is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Fargo has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Fargo's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 8.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Fargo is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 56.17 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Fargo is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Fargo move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Dakota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: North Dakota doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to Fargo. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
- Lincoln
- Horace Mann
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rose Creek
- Longfellow
- Southpointe
- Centennial
- Pointe West
- Woodhaven
Things to do in Fargo
Once you're settled into your new home in North Dakota, it's time to get out and discover what Fargo has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Fargo Force (USHL)North Dakota State Bison (Summit League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Fargo?
The best time to move from Madison to Fargo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Fargo?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Madison to Fargo, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Madison to Fargo take?
Moving from Madison, WI to Fargo, ND covers 503 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Madison movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Fargo.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Madison?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Madison advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Madison provide antique moving services. State totals show 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
