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Moving from New York to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

NY state flag
Living now

New York

Capital: Albany

Median household income $81,386 · winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days

NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

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
New York
107.9
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 18% lower overall price level
Housing index
New York
122.2
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 42% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New York
102.0
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 4.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New York
101.2
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 2.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 58% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New York
101.6
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 3.7% lower transportation
Median home value
New York
$449,800
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 41% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New York
$1,530/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 46% 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
New York
84°F
North Dakota
84°F
Avg winter low
New York
24°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New York
47°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New York
184
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New York
43 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 57% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New York
39
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 7.7% higher AQI
Snow / year
New York
76 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 49% less annual snowfall

Get the full New YorkNorth 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 New York?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.5 for New York — 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?

New York tops out at 10.9% 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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