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Moving from Illinois to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 24% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 2.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 1.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 37% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 2.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 5.2% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 29% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 21% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 12% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 54% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 105% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisNorth Dakota report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota than Illinois?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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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