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Moving from Pennsylvania to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

ND state flag
Moving to

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

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

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

North Dakota has an overall price level 89.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 8.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 16% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 2.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 43% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 1.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 4.1% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 22% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 17% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 18% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 58% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 9.3% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaNorth Dakota 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 North Dakota than Pennsylvania?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% income tax. North Dakota tops out at 2.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Dakota?

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

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