Moving To State • North Dakota

Moving to North Dakota: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to North Dakota, you’re not alone. The Peace Garden State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Fargo and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about North Dakota, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to North Dakota to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the North Dakota information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to ND
Top car shippers to ND
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in North Dakota

Like any big move, relocating to North Dakota comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Peace Garden State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in ND

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Peaceful rural life
✓Affordable living costs
✓High-quality education opportunities
✓Open rural spaces

Cons of living in ND

✖Long and cold winters
✖Lack of diversity
✖Housing shortages
✖Small populations
✖Relaxed lifestyle

Things to do in North Dakota

Whether you’re moving to North Dakota work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, North Dakota has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in North Dakota

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

Museums in North Dakota

Red River Zoo
Fargo Air Museum
North Dakota Museum of Art
Roger Maris Museum
Dickinson Museum Center
Grand Forks County Historical Society Myra Museum
National Buffalo Museum
Dakota Territory Air Museum
Ukrainian Cultural Institute
Plains Art Museum

Parks in North Dakota

The Dakota Zoo
Red River Zoo
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Scandinavian Heritage Park
Roosevelt Park Zoo
Japanese Gardens
Memorial Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Grahams Island State Park
General Sibley Park & Campground

Fun facts about North Dakota

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about North Dakota, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

North Dakota currently holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest number of snow angels made at the same time in one place. 8962 people converged at the State Capitol Grounds and made snow angels on February 17, 2007. They smashed the record that was set the previous year at Michigan Technological University of 3,784 people.
Huge bison herds once roamed North Dakota plains. However, by 1900, there were only less than 600 of these animals remaining. Thanks to the initiatives spearheaded by President Roosevelt, today there are more than 90,000 bison in the state.
The only National Park named after a U.S. president is the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Actually, the National Park is dedicated on a piece of land once owned by the former president.
Geese in Flight, a North Dakotan highway Sculpture, currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest metal sculpture. The sculpture, which was erected in 2001, is 154 feet long and 110 feet tall. It weighs 75 tons. It was constructed by Gary Greff, a retired school teacher
In 2013, North Dakota overtook Hawaii as the happiest state in the US. This was according to the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index. Apart from jumping from position 19 in the previous year to top spot, the state also deposed Hawaii which had been occupying that position for some years.
Hawaii and North Dakota might have something in common in terms of happiness, but the two states differ markedly on one aspect: unlike Hawaii, North Dakota is one of the American states that tourists are least likely to visit.
Lewis and Clark are reported to have spent more time in North Dakota than in any other state in the US. They also hooked up with Sacagawea outside of the not-yet-Bismarck. It is also in North Dakota that they encountered their first grizzly bears.
North Dakota boasts as the only state in the union with a bank of its own. It is called the Bank of North Dakota and has its headquarters in Bismarck.

North Dakota population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to North Dakota, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Peace Garden State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in North Dakota, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	North Dakota
Population	783,926
Female	48.7%
Male	51.3%
College graduation rate	31.74%
Political leaning	Republican 68-32
Crime index	22.74

North Dakota weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether North Dakota is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if North Dakota aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	North Dakota
Summer high	82ºF
Winter low	0ºF
Annual rain	19″
Annual snow	39″

Income and cost of living in North Dakota

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in North Dakota.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in North Dakota and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($6.7 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($6.5 billion)
Wholesale trade ($4.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($4.6 billion)
Manufacturing ($4 billion)
Professional and business services ($3.3 billion)
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($3.2 billion)
Construction ($3.2 billion)
Retail trade ($3 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($2.9 billion)

Metric	North Dakota
Average rent cost	$912
Average home cost	$263,410
Average income (per capita)	$73,959
Cost of living index*	96
Unemployment rate	2.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	2.9%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in North Dakota

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what North Dakota has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in North Dakota:

University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
University of Mary
Minot State University
Valley City State University
Dickinson State University
Bismarck State College
University of Jamestown
Mayville State University
Trinity Bible College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to North Dakota

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Peace Garden State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to North Dakota

Before you take the leap to North Dakota, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to North Dakota

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to North Dakota.

North Dakota car insurance requirements

North Dakota requires all vehicles to have minimum liability insurance. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries and property damage. Drivers must also have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Additionally, basic personal injury protection is mandatory, offering $150 per week up to $30,000.

North Dakota drivers license requirements

If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, go to a Driver’s License and Testing office. Schedule your road tests, bring proof of your current name and birth date, and pay the required fees to get your new driver’s license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to North Dakota?

Moving to North Dakota is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if North Dakota is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to North Dakota?

On the cost of living index, North Dakota has a score of 96. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in North Dakota?

The average income in ND is $73,959, and the an unemployment rate is 2.4. Home prices are $263,410, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $912.

What is the downside of living in North Dakota?

Like any place, North Dakota has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Peace Garden State include:

Long and cold winters
Lack of diversity
Housing shortages
Small populations
Relaxed lifestyle

North Dakota Moving Resources

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