Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to NEtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota to Nebraska 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 NE

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

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Nebraska

North Dakota Nebraska
Average rent cost $912 $987
Average home cost $263,410 $259,443
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $71,722
Cost of Living Index 96 90
Unemployment rate 2.4% 2.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 6.96%
State Income Tax 2.9% 6.64%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 8% more expensive in Nebraska than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 2% lower in Nebraska than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 3% lower in Nebraska than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in Nebraska than in North Dakota.
  • Nebraska has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 13%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Nebraska and North Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 129% higher in Nebraska than in North Dakota.

How life is different in Nebraska vs. North Dakota

Nebraska North Dakota
Population 1,978,379 783,926
Political leaning Republican 59.6-39.1 Republican 68-32
Summer high 87ºF 82ºF
Winter low 13ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 27" 19"
Annual snow 28" 39"
Crime index 21.72 22.74
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Nebraska is approximately 152% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Nebraska voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Nebraska is 87ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Nebraska reaches the temperature of 13ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 27 inches of annual rainfall in Nebraska versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In Nebraska, it snows about 28 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • Nebraska has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 21.72 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Nebraska

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

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in Nebraska
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Peaceful rural life Four seasons
Affordable living costs Beautiful storms
High-quality education opportunities Abundant rivers
Open rural spaces Wide-open rural spaces

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Nebraska

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 Nebraska.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in Nebraska
Long and cold winters Dull landscape
Lack of diversity Natural disasters
Housing shortages Bad weather
Small populations Small-town life
Relaxed lifestyle Limited entertainment

Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Nebraska movetoggle

  • Weather: Nebraska experiences wide seasonal variations in both temperature and precipitation. Nebraska has hot summers and generally cold winters. Nebraska is located in Tornado Alley. Thunderstorms are common during both the spring and the summer.
  • 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: The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) regulates local and intrastate moving companies within the state. All movers must have a Certificate of Authority issued by the NPSC, maintain minimum levels of insurance, and comply with regulations set forth by the Commission’s Motor Carrier Division. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Nebraska moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Nebraska 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 Nebraska. 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 Released Value Protection, a no-cost choice with minimal coverage, as movers are liable for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your mover misplaces or damages a valuable antique weighing 30 pounds, you'd receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For broader coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider consulting 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 Nebraskatoggle

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

  • Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
  • Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
  • Lake McConaughy
  • Chimney Rock National Historic Site
  • Ponca State Park
  • Harold Warp Pioneer Village
  • The Durham Museum
  • Papio Fun Park
  • Niobrara National Scenic River
  • Lauritzen Gardens
  • Joslyn Art Museum
  • Carhenge
  • Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument
  • Golden Spike Tower
  • Indian Cave State Park
  • The Archway
  • Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
  • Chadron State Park
  • Cowboy Trail
  • Sunken Gardens
  • Nebraska State Capitol
  • Lincoln Children's Zoo
  • Pioneer Courage Park
  • Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
  • Omaha Old Market
  • Cody Park
  • World's Largest Stamp Ball
  • Homestead National Historical Park
  • Toadstool Geological Park
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to Nebraska?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 Nebraska?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 Nebraska separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota to Nebraska are the amazing upsides of living in Nebraska such as ample economic opportunity and four seasons.

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

It is generally cheaper to live in Nebraska than in North Dakota. Housing is more affordable in Nebraska, with average rent about 8% less and home prices 1.5% lower than in North Dakota. However, taxes are lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Nebraska residents.

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

You should make approximately $63,963 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Nebraska. The cost of living in Nebraska is approximately $3,106 per month for an individual and $5,223 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Nebraska you live For example, larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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Popular North Dakota routes

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