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Moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

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
Wisconsin
94.1
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 5.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 9.9% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 1.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 36% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 9.7% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 15% 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
Wisconsin
81°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 6.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 12% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 45% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 22% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinNorth 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 Wisconsin?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% 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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