Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to ND
There are many factors that influence
Iowa moving costs.
The cost to move from Iowa to North Dakota will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IA to ND
If you’re moving to North Dakota from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. North Dakota
|
Iowa |
North Dakota |
| Average rent cost |
$914 |
$912 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$263,410 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$73,959 |
| Cost of Living Index |
89 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
2.4% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.94% |
6.96% |
| State Income Tax |
4.4% |
2.9% |
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Rent is about the same cost in North Dakota and Iowa.
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Home prices are about 20% higher in North Dakota than in Iowa.
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The average income is about 5% higher in North Dakota than in Iowa.
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Cost of living is 8% lower in North Dakota than in Iowa.
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North Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than Iowa by about 20%.
-
Sales taxes are the same in North Dakota and Iowa.
-
Income taxes are 34% lower in North Dakota than in Iowa.
How life is different in North Dakota vs. Iowa
|
North Dakota |
Iowa |
| Population |
783,926 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 68-32 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
82ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
0ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
19" |
35" |
| Annual snow |
39" |
30" |
| Crime index |
22.74 |
16.18 |
-
The population of North Dakota is approximately 76% lower than the population of Iowa.
-
In the last presidential election, North Dakota voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in North Dakota is 82ºF
and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, North Dakota reaches the temperature of 0ºF
and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
-
You can expect about 19 inches of annual rainfall in North Dakota versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
-
In North Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually
versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
-
North Dakota has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index
of 22.74 vs. 16.18.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. North Dakota
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in North Dakota compared to Iowa.
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in North Dakota |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Peaceful rural life |
| High quality of education |
Affordable living costs |
| No traffic |
High-quality education opportunities |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Open rural spaces |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. North Dakota
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for North Dakota.
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in North Dakota |
| Severe weather conditions |
Long and cold winters |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Lack of diversity |
| High taxes |
Housing shortages |
| High emphasis on politics |
Small populations |
| Rustic food |
Relaxed lifestyle |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to North Dakota move
- Weather: North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a North Dakota moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
North Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to North Dakota.
Get started here.
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Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in North Dakota
While you’re in North Dakota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- 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
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
- Plains Art Museum
- Scandinavian Heritage Park
- Lake Sakakawea State Park
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic State
- North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
- Bonanzaville USA
- Enchanted Highway
- Medora Musical
- North Dakota State Capitol
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to North Dakota?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to North Dakota?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Iowa to North Dakota
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to North Dakota?
The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to North Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in North Dakota such as
ample economic opportunity and peaceful rural life.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or North Dakota?
It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in North Dakota.
Housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 0% less
and home prices 16% lower than in North Dakota.
However, taxes are lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 30% less than those paid by
Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Dakota?
You should make approximately $68,551 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in North Dakota.
The cost of living in North Dakota is approximately $2,362 per month for an individual and $4,946 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in North Dakota you live
For example, larger cities like Fargo and Bismarck will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Best overall value
