California to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to North Dakota

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Expensive housing
• Higher state taxes
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire smoke seasons
• Drought restrictions
• Crowded urban areas
• Long commute times
• Earthquake risk
• High electricity rates
• Strict business regulations
• Parking headaches
• Higher crime pockets
• Tourists everywhere
• High sales taxes
• Costly car insurance

ProsNorth Dakota

• Lower cost of living
• Affordable home prices
• Lower overall taxes
• Light, predictable traffic
• Minimal wildfire smoke
• Fewer water restrictions
• More open space
• Shorter commute times
• Very low quake risk
• Cheaper electricity rates
• Business-friendly rules
• Easy parking
• Lower crime rates
• Quieter communities
• Lower sales taxes
• Cheaper car insurance

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North Dakota

• Harsh winter cold
• No ocean access
• Limited dining variety
• Fewer university choices
• Smaller tech market
• Fewer entertainment venues
• Sparse public transit
• Seasonal outdoor options
• Mostly prairie scenery
• Fewer pro teams
• Limited film industry
• Limited flight routes
• Lower wage ceilings
• Smaller professional circles
• Fewer specialty providers
• Fewer major festivals

California

• Mild coastal climate
• Ocean beaches
• Diverse global cuisine
• Top-tier universities
• Abundant tech jobs
• Extensive entertainment options
• Robust public transit
• Year-round outdoor activities
• Scenic coastal drives
• Major sports teams
• Large creative industries
• International flight hubs
• High salary potential
• Dense networking scene
• Cutting-edge healthcare
• Diverse cultural events

Pros of moving from California to North Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from expensive housing and moving to North Dakota with affordable home prices
• Swap the higher state taxes of California for lower overall taxes in North Dakota
• Get ready for light and predictable traffic in North Dakota

Cons of moving from California to North Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild coastal climate in California to live with harsh winter cold in North Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean beaches and have to settle for the con of no ocean access
• Time to bid farewell to diverse global cuisine and get used to the limited dining variety in North Dakota
• Swap top-tier universities for fewer university choices

California vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Lefse of North Dakota. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Fish Tacos, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Knoephla Soup and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Pickled Vegetables of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Gjelina. After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Pitchfork Steak Fondue, Space Aliens Grill and Bar, and Theodore’s Dining Room.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and North Dakota

• The Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of North Dakota.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and solar panels, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and energy efficiency.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than California.
• North Dakota has less of an urban feel than California.
• North Dakota housing costs are 68% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18%, compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in North Dakota is 62.56% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 29% fewer sunshine days than California.
• North Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 3 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 36 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and North Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 21% less than those in California
• The COLI in North Dakota is 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in ND is 1.1% - 2.9% compared to 1% - 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in North Dakota is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to varied in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and minimal in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. North Dakota

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• North Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant Lutheran presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multicultural beliefs with a Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from California to North Dakota

How Much Do California to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,720 miles from California to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.