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Alabama to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 1,639 mile interstate move from Alabama to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity vs fresher air), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (antebellum, cottage vs split-level, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Fried Catfish, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Steak
  • North Dakota housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Alabama
  • Rent in North Dakota is 30.76% more affordable than in Alabama
  • Moving from Alabama to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Alabama to North Dakota movers is MoveDaddy

Alabama to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to North Dakota

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Humidity
  • Severe storms
  • Sweltering summers
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Fresher air
  • Mild summers
  • Less crowding

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Limited dining options
  • Harsh winters
  • Smaller cities
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Southern cuisine
  • Historical sites
  • Lively festivals

Pros of moving from Alabama to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to humidity and hello to fresher air
  • Look forward to moving away from severe storms and moving to North Dakota with mild summers
  • Swap the sweltering summers of Alabama for less crowding in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Alabama to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern cuisine in Alabama to live with limited dining options in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historical sites and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
  • Time to bid farewell to lively festivals and get used to smaller cities in North Dakota

Alabama vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishFried CatfishBison Steak
Most popular street food itemPulled Pork SandwichFleischkuekle
Most popular vegan foodBlack-eyed PeasLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Dreamland BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alabama to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Fried Catfish and sumptuous Pulled Pork Sandwich, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black-eyed Peas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Dreamland BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Kroll's Diner, Pirogue Grille, and The Walrus Restaurant.

When comparing lifestyles, North Dakota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Dakota, compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in North Dakota.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and North Dakota

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, CottageSplit-level, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, PrivacyEnergy efficiency, Proximity to parks
  • The Antebellum and Cottage architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Split-level and Ranch architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to parks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Dakota is more walkable than Alabama.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Dakota is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
  • North Dakota has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 30.76% more affordable than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and North Dakota

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Dakota
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 72Β°F82Β°F / 58Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57Β°F / 36Β°F24Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)56"18"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"50"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
  • North Dakota has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 8 degrees colder than in Alabama.
  • The average winter lows are 34 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 38 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and North Dakota

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$59,674$71,970
Cost of Living Index91.295.3
State Income Tax5.002.90
Avg. Property Tax0.411.05
Avg. Sales Tax9.226.85
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, AutomotiveAgriculture, Energy, Technology
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessVisibleLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 21% more than those in Alabama
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
  • The state income tax in ND is 2.90 compared to 5.00 in AL
  • The affluence in North Dakota is growing compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Dakota compared to significant poverty in Alabama
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Alabama and lower in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. North Dakota

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Dakota
Political Make-upTraditionally ConservativeConservative, with Republican dominance
Local PoliticsLocal elections often emphasize economic and educational issues.Local focus on agriculture, energy policy, and rural concerns.
ReligionLargely Evangelical Christian, with significant Protestant and Catholic communitiesHighly Lutheran, with a notable Catholic presence
  • Alabama tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as conservative with Republican dominance
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as highly Lutheran with a notable Catholic presence
  • Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Evangelical Christian with significant Protestant and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to North Dakota

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGreystone Elementary School (Hoover)
Mt Laurel Elementary School (Birmingham)
Rock Quarry Elementary School (Tuscaloosa)
Freedom Elementary School (West Fargo)
Longfellow Elementary School (Fargo)
Lincoln Elementary School (Jamestown)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSimmons Middle School (Hoover)
Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
Berry Middle School (Hoover)
Ben Franklin Middle School (Fargo)
Cheney Middle School (West Fargo)
Wachter Middle School (Bismarck)
Top 3 High School SchoolsLoveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery)
Mountain Brook High School (Birmingham)
Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills)
Fargo North High School (Fargo)
Century High School (Bismarck)
Grand Forks Central High School (Grand Forks)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Randolph School (Huntsville)
Shanley High School (Fargo)
Bishop Ryan Catholic School (Minot)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRandolph School (Huntsville)
The Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck)
Top 3 School DistrictsHoover City Schools
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Fargo Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools

How Much Do Alabama to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,639 miles from Alabama to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 16-24 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Latitude Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,132300 ft3$7.11
1 Bedroom$3,175450 ft3$7.06
2 Bedrooms$5,254750 ft3$7.01
3 Bedrooms$7,6511100 ft3$6.96
4 Bedrooms$11,0491600 ft3$6.91
5+ Bedrooms$12,3401800 ft3$6.86

Top Alabama to North Dakota Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to North Dakota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

Best moving company overall for Alabama to North Dakota

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Latitude Movers featured image

New Latitude Movers

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Alabama to North Dakota Routes

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