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Moving from Virginia to North Dakota

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

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

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

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 33% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 3.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 1.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 30% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 2.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 45% 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
Virginia
87°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 26% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 1.4% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 58% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 2.4% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 160% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaNorth 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 Virginia?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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