Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Maryland to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

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
Maryland
105.0
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 15% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 41% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 4.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 2.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 67% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 3.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 39% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 43% 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
Maryland
87°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 25% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 6.6% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 58% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 2.3% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 39% more annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandNorth Dakota report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota than Maryland?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland — 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% 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.

Related comparisons