Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to MNtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota to Minnesota 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 Dakota 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 ND to MN

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

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Minnesota

North Dakota Minnesota
Average rent cost $912 $1,178
Average home cost $263,410 $334,119
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $84,313
Cost of Living Index 96 94
Unemployment rate 2.4% 3.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 8.03%
State Income Tax 2.9% 9.85%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 29% more expensive in Minnesota than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 27% higher in Minnesota than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 14% higher in Minnesota than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 2% lower in Minnesota than in North Dakota.
  • Minnesota has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 42%.
  • Sales taxes are 15% higher in Minnesota than in North Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 240% higher in Minnesota than in North Dakota.

How life is different in Minnesota vs. North Dakota

Minnesota North Dakota
Population 5,737,915 783,926
Political leaning Democratic 51.1-46.9 Republican 68-32
Summer high 81ºF 82ºF
Winter low 2ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 29" 19"
Annual snow 47" 39"
Crime index 22.47 22.74
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Minnesota is approximately 632% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Minnesota voted Democratic and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Minnesota is 81ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Minnesota reaches the temperature of 2ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 29 inches of annual rainfall in Minnesota versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In Minnesota, it snows about 47 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • Minnesota has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 22.47 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Minnesota

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Minnesota compared to North Dakota.

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in Minnesota
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Peaceful rural life Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
Affordable living costs Multitudinous lakes
High-quality education opportunities Diverse festivals
Open rural spaces Friendly people

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Minnesota

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 Dakota for Minnesota.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in Minnesota
Long and cold winters Bland food
Lack of diversity Cold snowy winters
Housing shortages Terrible traffic
Small populations High tax burden
Relaxed lifestyle Thick accents

Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Minnesota movetoggle

  • Weather: Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives 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 Minnesotatoggle

While you’re in Minnesota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mall of America
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul
  • North Shore Scenic Drive
  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
  • Minnehaha Falls
  • Munsinger Clemens Gardens
  • Itasca State Park
  • Valleyfair Amusement Park
  • Voyageurs National Park
  • International Wolf Center
  • Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
  • Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • Devil’s Kettle
  • Niagara Cave
  • Greyhound Bus Museum
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Stone Arch Bridge
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Guthrie Theater
  • Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues
  • SPAM Museum
  • Quarry Hill Nature Center
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

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

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota to Minnesota are the amazing upsides of living in Minnesota such as ample economic opportunity and bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Minnesota?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in Minnesota. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 23% less and home prices 21% lower than in Minnesota. Taxes are also lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 70% less than those paid by Minnesota residents.

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

You should make approximately $78,470 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Minnesota. The cost of living in Minnesota is approximately $3,191 per month for an individual and $6,662 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Minnesota you live For example, larger cities like Bloomington and Duluth will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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