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Moving from Idaho to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

ID state flag
Living now

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

ND state flag
Moving to

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

North Dakota has an overall price level 89.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Idaho
95.5
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 6.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 21% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Idaho
96.3
North Dakota
95.7
North Dakota has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12.4 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 2.8% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 1.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 40% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,384/mo
North Dakota
$980/mo
North Dakota is 29% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Idaho
87°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
46°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 9.4% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
199
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 6.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
17 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 5.2% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Idaho
24
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 75% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Idaho
12
North Dakota
0
North Dakota has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Idaho
51 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 24% less annual snowfall

Get the full IdahoNorth Dakota report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota than Idaho?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.8 for Idaho, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Idaho tops out at 5.3% income tax. North Dakota tops out at 2.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Dakota?

Most North Dakota residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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