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Moving from Massachusetts to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 16% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 44% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 4.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 2.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 60% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 3.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 56% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 44% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 14% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 5.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 63% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 45% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 22% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsNorth 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 Massachusetts?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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