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Moving from Kentucky to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

KY state flag
Living now

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Median household income $60,183 · winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

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
Kentucky
90.2
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 1.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Kentucky
64.3
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 11% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Kentucky
97.5
North Dakota
97.2
Utilities index (modeled)
Kentucky
98.5
North Dakota
98.3
Electricity rate
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 20% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kentucky
98.0
North Dakota
97.8
Median home value
Kentucky
$226,000
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 18% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kentucky
$852/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 2.2% 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
Kentucky
87°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Kentucky
26°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kentucky
56°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 26% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kentucky
189
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 12% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kentucky
48 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kentucky
48
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 13% lower AQI
Snow / year
Kentucky
9 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 333% more annual snowfall

Get the full KentuckyNorth 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 Kentucky?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.5 for Kentucky — 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?

Kentucky tops out at 3.5% 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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