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Kentucky to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 1,264 mile interstate move from Kentucky to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Steak
  • North Dakota housing costs are 26% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in North Dakota is 22.04% more affordable than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to North Dakota movers is Two Men and a Truck

Kentucky to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to North Dakota

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Humid summers
  • Higher allergy rates
  • Limited job growth
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher crime rates
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Cooler climate
  • Cleaner air
  • Thriving job market
  • Less crowded
  • Safer cities

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Smaller urban areas
  • Limited dining variety
  • Flat landscapes
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Mild winters
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Vibrant cities like Louisville
  • Diverse cuisine options
  • Extensive forests

Pros of moving from Kentucky to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to a cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from higher allergy rates and moving to North Dakota with cleaner air
  • Swap the limited job growth of Kentucky for a thriving job market in North Dakota
  • Get ready for fewer crowds in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Kentucky to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in Kentucky to live with harsh winters in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich cultural heritage and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to vibrant cities like Louisville and get used to smaller urban areas in North Dakota
  • Swap diverse cuisine options for a limited dining variety

Kentucky vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishHot BrownBison Steak
Most popular street food itemBeer CheeseFleischkuekle
Most popular vegan foodBourbon BBQ TofuLentil Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Brown Hotel
  • KFC
  • Ramsi's Cafe on the World
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • HoDo Restaurant
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 Kentucky to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Beer Cheese, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Bourbon BBQ Tofu they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burgers of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, KFC, and Ramsi's Cafe on the World. 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, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and HoDo Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and North Dakota

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, 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 listingLarge backyards, Open floor plansEnergy efficiency, Spacious garages
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and open floor plans, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious garages.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than Kentucky.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 26% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased 18% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 22.04% more affordable than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyNorth 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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43Β°F / 23Β°F23Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"18"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)11"48"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 3% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • North Dakota has similar humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, 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 5 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 21 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 32 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and North Dakota

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$59,341$71,970
Cost of Living Index87.895.3
State Income Tax5%2.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%1.05%
Avg. Sales Tax6%5%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureAgriculture, Mining, Energy
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessVisibleLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 21% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in ND is 2.9% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in North Dakota is higher compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Dakota compared to significant poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Kentucky and low in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. North Dakota

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Dakota
Political Make-upModerately conservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMixed, with both conservative and liberal leadership in different areasLargely conservative leadership
ReligionChristian, with a significant Baptist presenceChristian, predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
  • Kentucky tends to lean moderately conservative in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as Christian, predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian, with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to North Dakota

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Eastern Kentucky University
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPoe Elementary
Louisville
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional
Louisville
Mann Elementary
Union
Lincoln Elementary
Bismarck
Freedom Elementary
West Fargo
Longfellow Elementary
Fargo
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle
Louisville
Beaumont Middle
Lexington
Highlands Middle
Fort Thomas
Ben Franklin Middle
Fargo
Horizon Middle
Bismarck
Discovery Middle
Fargo
Top 3 High SchoolsduPont Manual High
Louisville
Highlands High
Fort Thomas
Beechwood High
Fort Mitchell
Central High
Grand Forks
Fargo North High
Fargo
Century High
Bismarck
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville
St. Xavier High
Louisville
Trinity High
Louisville
Shanley High
Fargo
St. Mary's Central High
Bismarck
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School
Lexington
Christian Academy of Louisville
Louisville
Sayre School
Lexington
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
Shiloh Christian School
Bismarck
Trinity Christian School
Williston
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Ft. Thomas Independent Schools
Fargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools

How Much Do Kentucky to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,264 miles from Kentucky to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,919300 ft3$6.40
1 Bedroom$2,856450 ft3$6.35
2 Bedrooms$4,723750 ft3$6.30
3 Bedrooms$6,8721100 ft3$6.25
4 Bedrooms$9,9151600 ft3$6.20
5+ Bedrooms$11,0641800 ft3$6.15

Top Kentucky to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to North Dakota

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details

Louisville to North Dakota

Lexington to North Dakota