Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Fargo
What to know before moving from Charleston to Fargo
Moving from Charleston to Fargo comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Fargo is generally more expensive than Charleston, 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:
Charleston | Fargo | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,055 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $287,548 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $59,493 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $1,566 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $3,299 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 2.9% |
- Rent prices in Fargo are 21% higher than in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
Home prices in Fargo are 87.1% higher than in Charleston. - Income is the same in Fargo and Charleston. The top employers in Fargo include Noridian Mutual Insurance Company, TMI Hospitality, and Scheels.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fargo, since the cost of living for a single person in Fargo is 1.1% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fargo is 14.6% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Fargo is 41.94% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fargo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fargo are 7.14% higher than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Fargo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 55.38% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,032.92 in Fargo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Fargo
Fargo | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 125,990 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 2 |
Walkability score | 45 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 28 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 56.17 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fargo's population is about 162% greater than Charleston.
- Fargo's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Fargo is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Fargo is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 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 Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Fargo is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 56.17 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Fargo is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 companyโs license in North Dakota, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While North Dakota doesnโt 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
- Stonebridge
- Lincoln
- Horace Mann
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rose Creek
- Southpointe
- Centennial
- Pointe West
- Woodhaven
Things to do in Fargo
After settling into your new North Dakota home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fargo has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Charleston to Fargo?
The best time to move from Charleston to Fargo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Fargo?
Because most people are moving from Charleston 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 Charleston to Fargo take?
The 1,132-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Fargo, ND, takes two to eight days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fargo.