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Colorado to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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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

ConsColorado iconColorado
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Overcrowded tourist spots
  • Limited winter sports
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Affordable housing
  • Less crowded roads
  • Quieter attractions
  • Rich cultural history

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • No mountain landscapes
  • Harsh winter weather
  • Fewer culinary options
  • Limited nightlife
Colorado iconColorado
  • 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

ComparisonColoradoNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersLefse
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersWalleye
Most popular street food itemTacosKnoephla Soup
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladChickpea Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Kroll's Diner
  • The HoDo Restaurant
  • No prominent third option found
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 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

ComparisonColoradoNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleMountain Rustic, ModernRanch, Split-level
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 listingMountain views, Proximity to natureFamily-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 Colorado’s $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

ComparisonColoradoNorth 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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsFloods, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVaries, mostly Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 56Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)45Β°F / 17Β°F23Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15.617.8
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.551.2
  • 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

ComparisonColoradoNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$89,302$71,970
Cost of Living Index98.395.3
State Income Tax4.632.9
Avg. Property Tax0.510.98
Avg. Sales Tax2.95.0
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Technology, AgricultureEnergy, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • 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

ComparisonColoradoNorth Dakota
Political Make-upLean LiberalLean Conservative
Local PoliticsMixed, with urban areas more liberalConsistently conservative across most areas
ReligionLess religiously affiliated overallHigher 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

ComparisonColoradoNorth 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 SchoolsBoulder 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 SchoolsPeak 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 SchoolsPeak 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 schoolsColorado 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 schoolsColorado 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 DistrictsBoulder 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: The Move Caddies
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,664300 ft3$5.55
1 Bedroom$2,473450 ft3$5.50
2 Bedrooms$4,085750 ft3$5.45
3 Bedrooms$5,9361100 ft3$5.40
4 Bedrooms$8,5541600 ft3$5.35
5+ Bedrooms$9,5341800 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.

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Colorado to North Dakota

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC featured image

Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

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