FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to North Dakota?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,141 – $4,654 | $906 – $2,391 | $883 – $1,576 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,587 – $6,262 | $1,720 – $3,316 | $907 – $2,013 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,574 – $8,714 | $2,387 – $4,517 | $1,226 – $2,434 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,141 – $4,654
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,587 – $6,262
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,574 – $8,714
How much do moving containers cost from Pennsylvania to North Dakota?
- Small move: $906 – $2,391
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,720 – $3,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,387 – $4,517
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $883 – $1,576
- 2–3 bedrooms: $907 – $2,013
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,226 – $2,434
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,488-mile move from PA to ND using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from PA to ND?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Pennsylvania | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,110 | $912 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $263,410 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $73,959 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 2.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.34% | 6.96% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 2.9% |
Will rent be more expensive in North Dakota?
Rent is about 18% lower in North Dakota than in Pennsylvania.
Avg rent: $1,110 vs. $912
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Pennsylvania and North Dakota.
Avg home value: $268,824 vs. $263,410
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Pennsylvania and North Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $73,170 vs. $73,959
Is the overall cost of living higher in North Dakota?
The cost of living is about the same in Pennsylvania and North Dakota.
Cost of living index: 99 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 10% higher in North Dakota than in Pennsylvania.
Avg sales tax: 6.34% vs. 6.96%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 6% lower in North Dakota than in Pennsylvania.
State income tax: 3.07% vs. 2.9%
How is daily life different in North Dakota compared to Pennsylvania?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| North Dakota | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 783,926 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Republican 68-32 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 0ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 19″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 22.74 | 17.62 |
Will North Dakota feel more crowded than Pennsylvania?
North Dakota is about 94% less populous than Pennsylvania — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Pennsylvania and North Dakota voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (82°F vs. 83°F).
Winter: North Dakota is colder on average (0°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in North Dakota?
Rain: North Dakota gets less rain (19″ vs. 44″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (39 inches vs. 38 inches).
Is North Dakota safer than Pennsylvania?
North Dakota has a higher crime index than Pennsylvania (22.74 vs. 17.62). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in North Dakota?
Museums in North Dakota
- Red River Zoo
- Fargo Air Museum
- North Dakota Museum of Art
- Roger Maris Museum
- Dickinson Museum Center
Parks in North Dakota
- The Dakota Zoo
- Red River Zoo
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Scandinavian Heritage Park
- Roosevelt Park Zoo
Sports teams in North Dakota
- Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
- Fargo Force (USHL)
- Minot Minotauros (NAHL)
Universities in North Dakota
- University of North Dakota
- North Dakota State University
- University of Mary
- Minot State University
- Valley City State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to North Dakota move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a North Dakota moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in North Dakota, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to North Dakota without a hitch. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in North Dakota?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in North Dakota?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a North Dakota moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in North Dakota?
You won’t need a moving permit in North Dakota, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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.
Some movers in Pennsylvania offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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