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Moving from North Dakota to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Dakota
89.0
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 14% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 50% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
Virginia
100.3
Virginia has 3.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 1.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 43% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 2.5% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 52% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 82% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Dakota
84°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 3.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Virginia
28°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 35% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Virginia
208
Virginia has 1.4% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 140% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Virginia
41
Virginia has 2.4% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 62% less annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaVirginia 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 Virginia than North Dakota?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

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

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

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