Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to NDtoggle

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota 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 South 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 SD to ND

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

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. North Dakota

South Dakota North Dakota
Average rent cost $878 $912
Average home cost $306,944 $263,410
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $73,959
Cost of Living Index 100 96
Unemployment rate 1.9% 2.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 6.96%
State Income Tax 0.0% 2.9%
  • Rent is about 4% more expensive in North Dakota than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 14% lower in North Dakota than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 6% higher in North Dakota than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in North Dakota than in South Dakota.
  • North Dakota has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 26%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% higher in North Dakota than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 3% higher in North Dakota than in South Dakota.

How life is different in North Dakota vs. South Dakota

North Dakota South Dakota
Population 783,926 919,318
Political leaning Republican 68-32 Republican 63-37
Summer high 82ºF 85ºF
Winter low 0ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 19" 23"
Annual snow 39" 39"
Crime index 22.74 21.14
  • The population of North Dakota is approximately 15% lower than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, North Dakota voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in North Dakota is 82ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, North Dakota reaches the temperature of 0ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 19 inches of annual rainfall in North Dakota versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In North Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • North Dakota has a higher crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 22.74 vs. 21.14.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota 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 South Dakota.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in North Dakota
Outstanding tax benefits Ample economic opportunity
Robust job market Peaceful rural life
Low cost of living Affordable living costs
Beautiful rural landscapes High-quality education opportunities
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Open rural spaces

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

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in North Dakota
Extreme weather Long and cold winters
Small-town mindset Lack of diversity
Sparsely populated Housing shortages
Strange and offensive laws Small populations
Unpredictable weather Relaxed lifestyle

Other things to consider for your South Dakota 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

FAQs

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

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

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

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

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in South Dakota. Housing is more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 4% less and home prices 14.2% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

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