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Moving from North Dakota to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

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.

KY state flag
Moving to

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Median household income $60,183 · winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

Kentucky has an overall price level 90.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Dakota
89.0
Kentucky
90.2
Kentucky has 1.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 10.0% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
Kentucky
97.5
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Kentucky
98.5
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 25% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Kentucky
98.0
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 15% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
Kentucky
$852/mo
Kentucky is 2.3% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Dakota
84°F
Kentucky
87°F
Kentucky is 3.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Kentucky
26°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 35% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 10% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 163% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Kentucky
48
Kentucky has 14% higher AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Kentucky
9 in
Kentucky is 77% less annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaKentucky 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 Kentucky than North Dakota?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (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. Kentucky tops out at 3.5%.

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

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

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