Massachusetts to North Dakota Moving Guide
Updated June 15, 2025

Planning a 1,843 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Steak
- North Dakota housing costs are 59% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
- Rent in North Dakota is 59.80% more affordable than in Massachusetts
- Moving from Massachusetts to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
- Our top recommended Massachusetts to North Dakota movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Massachusetts to North Dakota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to North Dakota
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Harsh winters
- Packed urban areas
- Expensive housing
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- Quieter winters
- More open spaces
- Affordable housing
- Less historical landmarks
- Landlocked state
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer higher education options
- Limited arts scene
- Rich history
- Easily accessible beaches
- Cultural diversity
- Renowned universities
- Vibrant arts scene
Pros of moving from Massachusetts 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 heavy traffic and moving to North Dakota with less traffic congestion
- Swap the harsh winters of Massachusetts for the quieter winters in North Dakota
- Get ready for more open spaces in North Dakota
Cons of moving from Massachusetts to North Dakota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Massachusetts to live with fewer historical landmarks in North Dakota
- You'll lose out on the pro of easily accessible beaches and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
- Time to bid farewell to cultural diversity and get used to less cultural diversity in North Dakota
- Swap renowned universities for fewer higher education options
Massachusetts vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Knoephla Soup |
Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Bison Steak |
Most popular street food item | Fried Clams | Taco Trucks Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Chowder | Lentil Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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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 Massachusetts to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Fried Clams, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Taco Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Chowder they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Neptune Oyster, and Union Oyster House. 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, Pete's Meats, and The HoDo Restaurant.
When comparing lifestyles, North Dakota shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Dakota compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in North Dakota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and North Dakota
Comparison | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Ranch, Split-level |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to public transportation, Historic charm | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
- Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference close proximity to public transportation and historic charm, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than Massachusetts.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
- North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
- North Dakota housing costs are 59% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Massachusettsβs $612,509.
- Over the prior five years, home prices in North Dakota have increased 18%, compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
- Rent in North Dakota is 59.80% more affordable than in Massachusetts.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Massachusetts and North Dakota
Comparison | Massachusetts | 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 | Nor'easters, Blizzards | Blizzards, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 60Β°F | 82Β°F / 57Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 22Β°F | 24Β°F / 2Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47.7" | 17.8" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 51" | 52" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 1% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
- North Dakota has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
- Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
- The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 2 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
- The average winter lows are 20 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 29.9 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and North Dakota
Comparison | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $71,970 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 95.3 |
State Income Tax | 5.00% | 1.1%-2.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.23% | 1.05% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25% | 5.75% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Finance | Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Wealthy | Comfortable |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 24% less than those in Massachusetts
- The COLI in North Dakota will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
- The state income tax in ND is 1.1%-2.9% compared to 5.00% in MA
- The affluence in North Dakota is comfortable compared to wealthy in Massachusetts
- The poverty level is moderate in North Dakota compared to low in Massachusetts
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and low in North Dakota
Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. North Dakota
Comparison | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Conservative/Republican |
Local Politics | Progressive initiatives | Traditional values |
Religion | Primarily Catholic | Largely Lutheran |
- Massachusetts 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 largely Lutheran
- Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic
Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to North Dakota
Comparison | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Harvard University MIT Boston College | North Dakota State University University of North Dakota Minot State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Day Elementary (Newton) Brackett Elementary (Arlington) Vinson-Owen Elementary (Winchester) | Freedom Elementary (West Fargo) Longfellow Elementary (Fargo) Lincoln Elementary (Dickinson) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Williams Middle (Longmeadow) Diamond Middle (Lexington) Pollard Middle (Needham) | Ben Franklin Middle (Fargo) Horizon Middle (Moorhead Area) Discovery Middle (Fargo) |
Top 3 High Schools | Boston Latin School (Boston) Lexington High (Lexington) Brookline High (Brookline) | Fargo North High (Fargo) Century High (Bismarck) Red River High (Grand Forks) |
Top 3 private high schools | Phillips Academy (Andover) Belmont Hill School (Belmont) Noble and Greenough School (Dedham) | Shanley High School (Fargo) St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck) Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge) The Winsor School (Boston) Dexter Southfield (Brookline) | Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) Grace Lutheran School (Fargo) Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) |
Top 3 School Districts | Lexington Newton Wellesley | Fargo Bismarck West Fargo |
How Much Do Massachusetts to North Dakota Movers Cost?
Moving 1,843 miles from Massachusetts to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,247 | 300 ft3 | $7.49 |
1 Bedroom | $3,348 | 450 ft3 | $7.44 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,543 | 750 ft3 | $7.39 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,075 | 1100 ft3 | $7.34 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,666 | 1600 ft3 | $7.29 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,034 | 1800 ft3 | $7.24 |
Top Massachusetts to North Dakota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Massachusetts to North Dakota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to North Dakota