Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to NDtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 NC to ND

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

Cost of living: North Carolina vs. North Dakota

North Carolina North Dakota
Average rent cost $1,093 $912
Average home cost $328,715 $263,410
Average income (per capita) $66,186 $73,959
Cost of Living Index 96 96
Unemployment rate 3.7% 2.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.98% 6.96%
State Income Tax 4.5% 2.9%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 17% less expensive in North Dakota than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 20% lower in North Dakota than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 12% higher in North Dakota than in North Carolina.
  • Cost of living is about the same in North Dakota and North Carolina.
  • North Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 35%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in North Dakota and North Carolina.
  • Income taxes are 36% lower in North Dakota than in North Carolina.

How life is different in North Dakota vs. North Carolina

North Dakota North Carolina
Population 783,926 10,835,491
Political leaning Republican 68-32 Republican 51-49
Summer high 82ºF 88ºF
Winter low 0ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 19" 48"
Annual snow 39" 4"
Crime index 22.74 24.69
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of North Dakota is approximately 93% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, North Dakota voted Republican and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in North Dakota is 82ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, North Dakota reaches the temperature of 0ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 19 inches of annual rainfall in North Dakota versus 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In North Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually versus 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • North Dakota has a lower crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 22.74 vs. 24.69.

Comparing the pros of North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

Pros of living in North Carolina Pros of living in North Dakota
Great communities Ample economic opportunity
Low cost of living Peaceful rural life
Ample economic opportunity Affordable living costs
High quality of life High-quality education opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Open rural spaces

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

Cons of living in North Carolina Cons of living in North Dakota
Hurricanes Long and cold winters
Bland weather Lack of diversity
High crime rate Housing shortages
High tax burden Small populations
Poor education Relaxed lifestyle

Other things to consider for your North Carolina 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 North Carolina to North Dakota?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to North Dakota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in North Carolina. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 17% less and home prices 19.9% lower than in North Carolina. Taxes are also lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by North Carolina 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.

Helpful moving resources

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