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Moving from North Dakota to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Dakota
89.0
Washington
107.0
Washington has 20% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Washington
126.0
Washington has 76% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
Washington
101.8
Washington has 4.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Washington
101.1
Washington has 2.8% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 21% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Washington
101.4
Washington has 3.7% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 126% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 97% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Dakota
84°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 6.0% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Washington
35°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 20% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Washington
152
Washington has 28% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 118% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Washington
39
Washington has 7.1% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 26% less annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaWashington report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Washington than North Dakota?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

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