Moving to North Dakota: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to North Dakota? You’re not alone. The Peace Garden State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Fargo or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

North Dakota has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to North Dakota so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the North Dakota information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to ND
Top car shippers to ND
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in North Dakota

Like any big move, relocating to North Dakota comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Peace Garden State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in North Dakota

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Peaceful rural life
✓Affordable living costs
✓High-quality education opportunities
✓Open rural spaces

Cons of living in North Dakota

✖Long and cold winters
✖Lack of diversity
✖Housing shortages
✖Small populations
✖Relaxed lifestyle

Things to do in North Dakota

No matter why you’re heading to North Dakota—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, North Dakota is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Fort Mandan Overlook State Historic Site
Maah Daah Hey Trail
North Dakota Heritage Center
Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
National Buffalo Museum
International Peace Garden
Fargo Theatre
Dakota Zoo
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Museums in North Dakota

Red River Zoo
Fargo Air Museum
North Dakota Museum of Art
Roger Maris Museum
Dickinson Museum Center
Grand Forks County Historical Society Myra Museum
National Buffalo Museum
Dakota Territory Air Museum
Ukrainian Cultural Institute
Plains Art Museum

Parks in North Dakota

The Dakota Zoo
Red River Zoo
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Scandinavian Heritage Park
Roosevelt Park Zoo
Japanese Gardens
Memorial Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Grahams Island State Park
General Sibley Park & Campground

Fun facts about North Dakota

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about North Dakota reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

North Dakota currently holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest number of snow angels made at the same time in one place. 8962 people converged at the State Capitol Grounds and made snow angels on February 17, 2007. They smashed the record that was set the previous year at Michigan Technological University of 3,784 people.
Huge bison herds once roamed North Dakota plains. However, by 1900, there were only less than 600 of these animals remaining. Thanks to the initiatives spearheaded by President Roosevelt, today there are more than 90,000 bison in the state.
The only National Park named after a U.S. president is the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Actually, the National Park is dedicated on a piece of land once owned by the former president.
Geese in Flight, a North Dakotan highway Sculpture, currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest metal sculpture. The sculpture, which was erected in 2001, is 154 feet long and 110 feet tall. It weighs 75 tons. It was constructed by Gary Greff, a retired school teacher
In 2013, North Dakota overtook Hawaii as the happiest state in the US. This was according to the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index. Apart from jumping from position 19 in the previous year to top spot, the state also deposed Hawaii which had been occupying that position for some years.
Hawaii and North Dakota might have something in common in terms of happiness, but the two states differ markedly on one aspect: unlike Hawaii, North Dakota is one of the American states that tourists are least likely to visit.
Lewis and Clark are reported to have spent more time in North Dakota than in any other state in the US. They also hooked up with Sacagawea outside of the not-yet-Bismarck. It is also in North Dakota that they encountered their first grizzly bears.
North Dakota boasts as the only state in the union with a bank of its own. It is called the Bank of North Dakota and has its headquarters in Bismarck.

North Dakota population and demographics

Planning a move to North Dakota? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Peace Garden State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in North Dakota can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	North Dakota
Population	783,926
Female	48.7%
Male	51.3%
College graduation rate	31.74%
Political leaning	Republican 68-32
Crime index	22.74

North Dakota weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if North Dakota is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding North Dakota’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	North Dakota
Summer high	82ºF
Winter low	0ºF
Annual rain	19″
Annual snow	39″

Income and cost of living in North Dakota

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in North Dakota.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in North Dakota and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($6.7 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($6.5 billion)
Wholesale trade ($4.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($4.6 billion)
Manufacturing ($4 billion)
Professional and business services ($3.3 billion)
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($3.2 billion)
Construction ($3.2 billion)
Retail trade ($3 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($2.9 billion)

Metric	North Dakota
Average rent cost	$912
Average home cost	$263,410
Average income (per capita)	$73,959
Cost of living index*	96
Unemployment rate	2.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	2.9%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in North Dakota

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, North Dakota is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in North Dakota:

University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
University of Mary
Minot State University
Valley City State University
Dickinson State University
Bismarck State College
University of Jamestown
Mayville State University
Trinity Bible College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to North Dakota

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 8 right here in North Dakota, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Peace Garden State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to North Dakota

Before making your move to North Dakota, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to North Dakota

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to North Dakota.

North Dakota car insurance requirements

North Dakota requires all vehicles to have minimum liability insurance. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Drivers must also have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is required too, offering $150 per week up to a maximum of $30,000.

North Dakota drivers license requirements

If you have recently moved to North Dakota, go to a Driver’s License and Testing office. Schedule a road test appointment, bring proof of your current name and date of birth, and pay the required fees to get your new driver’s license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to North Dakota?

Moving to North Dakota is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if North Dakota is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to North Dakota?

On the cost of living index, North Dakota has a score of 96. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in North Dakota?

The average income in ND is $73,959, and the an unemployment rate is 2.4. Home prices are $263,410, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $912.

What is the downside of living in North Dakota?

Like any place, North Dakota has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Peace Garden State include:

Long and cold winters
Lack of diversity
Housing shortages
Small populations
Relaxed lifestyle

North Dakota Moving Resources

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