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Moving from North Dakota to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

ND state flag
Living now

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

AK state flag
Moving to

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

Alaska has an overall price level 102.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Dakota
89.0
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 15% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 31% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
Alaska
100.6
Alaska has 3.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 2.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 127% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 2.7% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 41% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Alaska is 26% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 65°F · Winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Dakota
84°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 23% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Alaska
8°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 21% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Alaska
142
Alaska has 33% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 127% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Alaska
8
Alaska has 81% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 118% more annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaAlaska 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 Alaska than North Dakota?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.4 for North Dakota — 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?

North Dakota tops out at 2.5% income tax. Alaska tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alaska?

Most Alaska residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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