California to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to North Dakota

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Drought conditions
• High taxes
• Earthquakes

ProsNorth Dakota

• Affordable housing
• Minimal traffic
• Ample water supply
• Low taxes
• Geological stability

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North Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Less diversity
• Landlocked state
• Limited job options
• Fewer big events

California

• Mild climate
• Cultural diversity
• Beaches
• Booming job market
• Entertainment options

Pros of moving from California to North Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to North Dakota with minimal traffic
• Swap the drought conditions of California for an ample water supply in North Dakota
• Get ready for low taxes in North Dakota

Cons of moving from California to North Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with harsh winters in North Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to the beaches and get used to a landlocked state in North Dakota
• Swap a booming job market for limited job options

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.