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Moving from North Dakota to Massachusetts

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

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Dakota
89.0
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 19% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 79% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 4.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 2.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 153% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 3.4% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 128% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 78% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Dakota
84°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 2.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 17% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 5.2% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 167% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 31% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 28% more annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts than North Dakota?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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