Colorado to North Dakota Moving Guide
Updated June 14, 2025

Planning a 814 mile interstate move from Colorado to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Colorado vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Rocky Mountain Oysters vs Lefse), real estate & housing (mountain rustic, modern vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Rocky Mountain Oysters and Bison Burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Lefse & Walleye
- North Dakota housing costs are 54% less expensive than they are in Colorado
- Rent in North Dakota is 49.64% more affordable than in Colorado
- Moving from Colorado to North Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Colorado to North Dakota movers is Movemasters, Inc.
Colorado to North Dakota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to North Dakota
- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Overcrowded tourist spots
- Limited winter sports
- Affordable housing
- Less crowded roads
- Quieter attractions
- Rich cultural history
- No mountain landscapes
- Harsh winter weather
- Fewer culinary options
- Limited nightlife
- Mountain views
- Extensive ski resorts
- Thriving food scene
- Vibrant cultural events
Pros of moving from Colorado 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 less crowded roads
- Swap the overcrowded tourist spots of Colorado for quieter attractions in North Dakota
- Get ready for a rich cultural history in North Dakota
Cons of moving from Colorado to North Dakota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mountain views in Colorado to live with no mountain landscapes in North Dakota
- You'll lose out on the pro of extensive ski resorts and have to settle for the con of harsh winter weather
- Time to bid farewell to the thriving food scene and get used to fewer culinary options in North Dakota
- Swap vibrant cultural events for limited nightlife
Colorado vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Colorado | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Rocky Mountain Oysters | Lefse |
Most popular meat dish | Bison Burgers | Walleye |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Knoephla Soup |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Chickpea Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Colorado to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious Lefse of North Dakota. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burgers and sumptuous Tacos, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Knoephla Soup to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chickpea Stew of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like The Buckhorn Exchange, Flagstaff House, and Frasca Food and Wine. 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, The HoDo Restaurant, and No prominent third option found.
When comparing lifestyles, North Dakota shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Colorado. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Dakota compared to what you are used to in Colorado. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in North Dakota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and North Dakota
Comparison | Colorado | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Mountain Rustic, Modern | Ranch, Split-level |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views, Proximity to nature | Family-friendly, Quiet neighborhoods |
- The Mountain Rustic and Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
- Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and proximity to nature, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly and quiet neighborhoods.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. North Dakota is less walkable than Colorado.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
- North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
- North Dakota housing costs are 54% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Coloradoβs $549,126.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
- Rent in North Dakota is 49.64% more affordable than in Colorado.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Colorado and North Dakota
Comparison | Colorado | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Floods | Floods, Blizzards |
Air Quality | Good | Varies, mostly Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 56Β°F | 82Β°F / 57Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 45Β°F / 17Β°F | 23Β°F / 2Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 15.6 | 17.8 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 60.5 | 51.2 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Colorado to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 18% fewer sunshine days than Colorado.
- North Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Colorado.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential floods and blizzards in North Dakota.
- The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 3 degrees colder than in Colorado.
- The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in Colorado.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 2.2 more inches of rain compared to Colorado.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and North Dakota
Comparison | Colorado | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $89,302 | $71,970 |
Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 95.3 |
State Income Tax | 4.63 | 2.9 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.51 | 0.98 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 2.9 | 5.0 |
Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Technology, Agriculture | Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 19% less than those in Colorado
- The COLI in North Dakota is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Colorado
- The state income tax in ND is 2.9% compared to 4.63% in CO
- The affluence in North Dakota is moderate compared to high in Colorado
- The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to moderate in Colorado
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Colorado and low in North Dakota
Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. North Dakota
Comparison | Colorado | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Lean Conservative |
Local Politics | Mixed, with urban areas more liberal | Consistently conservative across most areas |
Religion | Less religiously affiliated overall | Higher percentage of Christians, particularly Lutherans and Catholics |
- Colorado tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
- North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as lean Conservative
- North Dakota's religious environment can be described as having a higher percentage of Christians, particularly Lutherans and Catholics
- Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated overall
Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to North Dakota
Comparison | Colorado | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Colorado Boulder Colorado State University University of Denver | North Dakota State University University of North Dakota Minot State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Boulder Community School Denver; Peak to Peak Charter School Lafayette; Slavens K-8 School Denver | Freedom Elementary School West Fargo; Discovery Elementary School Grand Forks; Lincoln Elementary School Dickinson |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Peak to Peak Charter School Lafayette; Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School Fort Collins; Challenge School Denver | Ben Franklin Middle School Fargo; Horizon Middle School Bismarck; Wachter Middle School Bismarck |
Top 3 High Schools | Peak to Peak Charter School Lafayette; Fairview High School Boulder; Cherry Creek High School Greenwood Village | Fargo North High School Fargo; Grand Forks Central High School Grand Forks; Century High School Bismarck |
Top 3 private high schools | Colorado Academy Denver; Kent Denver School Englewood; Fountain Valley School Colorado Springs | Shanley High School Fargo; Oak Grove Lutheran School Fargo; Light of Christ Catholic Schools Bismarck |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Colorado Springs Christian Schools Colorado Springs; Denver Christian Schools Denver; Valor Christian High School Highlands Ranch | Oak Grove Lutheran School Fargo; Shiloh Christian School Bismarck; Trinity Christian School Williston |
Top 3 School Districts | Boulder Valley School District Cherry Creek School District Douglas County School District | Fargo Public Schools Bismarck Public Schools West Fargo Public Schools |
How Much Do Colorado to North Dakota Movers Cost?
Moving 814 miles from Colorado to North Dakota will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: The Move Caddies
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,664 | 300 ft3 | $5.55 |
1 Bedroom | $2,473 | 450 ft3 | $5.50 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,085 | 750 ft3 | $5.45 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,936 | 1100 ft3 | $5.40 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,554 | 1600 ft3 | $5.35 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,534 | 1800 ft3 | $5.30 |
Top Colorado to North Dakota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Colorado to North Dakota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Movemasters, Inc.
Best moving company overall for Colorado to North Dakota