Factors affecting the cost of moving from MA to NDtoggle

There are many factors that influence Massachusetts moving costs. The cost to move from Massachusetts to North Dakota will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Massachusetts 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 MA to ND

If you’re moving to North Dakota from Massachusetts, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Massachusetts vs. North Dakota

Massachusetts North Dakota
Average rent cost $1,588 $912
Average home cost $623,131 $263,410
Average income (per capita) $96,505 $73,959
Cost of Living Index 100 96
Unemployment rate 3.9% 2.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.25% 6.96%
State Income Tax 9.0% 2.9%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 43% less expensive in North Dakota than in Massachusetts.
  • Home prices are about 58% lower in North Dakota than in Massachusetts.
  • The average income is about 23% lower in North Dakota than in Massachusetts.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in North Dakota than in Massachusetts.
  • North Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 38%.
  • Sales taxes are 11% higher in North Dakota than in Massachusetts.
  • Income taxes are 68% lower in North Dakota than in Massachusetts.

How life is different in North Dakota vs. Massachusetts

North Dakota Massachusetts
Population 783,926 7,001,399
Political leaning Republican 68-32 Democratic 61.5-36.3
Summer high 82ºF 82ºF
Winter low 0ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 19" 49"
Annual snow 39" 47"
Crime index 22.74 13.92
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of North Dakota is approximately 89% lower than the population of Massachusetts.
  • In the last presidential election, North Dakota voted Republican and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in North Dakota is 82ºF and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, North Dakota reaches the temperature of 0ºF and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 19 inches of annual rainfall in North Dakota versus 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
  • In North Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually versus 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
  • North Dakota has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 22.74 vs. 13.92.

Comparing the pros of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.

Pros of living in Massachusetts Pros of living in North Dakota
Natural beauty Ample economic opportunity
Excellent education system Peaceful rural life
Delicious seafood Affordable living costs
Bountiful recreational opportunities High-quality education opportunities
Home to Boston Open rural spaces

Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts for North Dakota.

Cons of living in Massachusetts Cons of living in North Dakota
Bad traffic Long and cold winters
Poor driving conditions Lack of diversity
Harsh winter weather Housing shortages
High cost of living Small populations
Peculiar liquor laws Relaxed lifestyle

Other things to consider for your Massachusetts to North Dakota movetoggle

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Dakota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: North Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in North Dakotatoggle

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
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Massachusetts to North Dakota?toggle

Hiring a full-service Massachusetts moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Massachusetts to North Dakota?toggle

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 Massachusetts to North Dakota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Massachusetts to North Dakota?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts or North Dakota?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in Massachusetts. Housing is much more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 43% less and home prices 57.7% lower than in Massachusetts. Taxes are also lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by Massachusetts residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Dakota?toggle

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.

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