Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Minnesota to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

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
Minnesota
98.6
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 9.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 2.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 1.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 23% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 27% 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
Minnesota
82°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 2.1% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 8.2% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 38% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Minnesota
39
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 7.7% higher AQI
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 15% less annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaNorth 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 Minnesota?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota — 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?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% 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