Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to WYtoggle

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

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

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Wyoming

North Dakota Wyoming
Average rent cost $912 $1,100
Average home cost $263,410 $354,108
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $72,495
Cost of Living Index 96 92
Unemployment rate 2.4% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 5.33%
State Income Tax 2.9% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 21% more expensive in Wyoming than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 34% higher in Wyoming than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 2% lower in Wyoming than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in Wyoming than in North Dakota.
  • Wyoming has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 21%.
  • Sales taxes are 23% lower in Wyoming than in North Dakota.
  • Wyoming has no income tax.

How life is different in Wyoming vs. North Dakota

Wyoming North Dakota
Population 584,057 783,926
Political leaning Republican 70-27 Republican 68-32
Summer high 85ºF 82ºF
Winter low 10ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 13" 19"
Annual snow 56" 39"
Crime index 18.39 22.74
  • The population of Wyoming is approximately 25% lower than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Wyoming voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Wyoming is 85ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Wyoming reaches the temperature of 10ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 13 inches of annual rainfall in Wyoming versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In Wyoming, it snows about 56 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • Wyoming has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 18.39 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Wyoming

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

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in Wyoming
Ample economic opportunity Abundant natural beauty
Peaceful rural life Outdoor recreation
Affordable living costs Peaceful
High-quality education opportunities Low state tax burden
Open rural spaces Delicious western food

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Wyoming

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 Wyoming.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in Wyoming
Long and cold winters Severe weather conditions
Lack of diversity Remote
Housing shortages Lack of diversity
Small populations Lack of urbanization
Relaxed lifestyle No professional sports teams

Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Wyoming movetoggle

  • Weather: Wyoming is drier and windier in comparison to most of the United States. Summers in Wyoming are warm but the night's cooldown on average to 50-60 degrees, while the winters are cold. The southeastern portion of the state is vulnerable to tornadoes. Be sure to check your local weather station before planning your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • 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: Wyoming mandates that all moving companies secure a license for the state. They must acquire an official letter of intrastate control from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). The license gives them permission to carry clients or belongings and pay for these services in the state. Moving companies need to fulfill insurance and finish all WY required forms. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wyoming moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Wyoming 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 Wyoming. 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. When planning a move in Wyoming, prioritize comprehensive movers' insurance for added protection. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your coverage by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wyoming state moving insurance. Secure your move with the right insurance coverage for a stress-free relocation experience.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Wyomingtoggle

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

  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Devil's Tower National Monument
  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West
  • Hot Springs State Park
  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
  • Fossil Butte National Monument
  • Teton Village
  • University of Wyoming Geological Museum

FAQs

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota to Wyoming are the amazing upsides of living in Wyoming such as abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

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

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in Wyoming. Housing is much more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 17% less and home prices 26% lower than in Wyoming. Wyoming has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $64,979 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Wyoming. The cost of living in Wyoming is approximately $2,338 per month for an individual and $5,081 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Wyoming you live For example, larger cities like Cheyenne and Casper will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources