Michigan to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to North Dakota

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• Heavy traffic
• Higher cost of living
• Dense population

ProsNorth Dakota

• Less snowfall
• Less congestion
• Affordable housing
• Open spaces

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North Dakota

• Fewer water bodies
• Fewer cultural events
• Limited art venues
• Fewer dining options

Michigan

• Great Lakes access
• Rich cultural diversity
• Vibrant art scene
• Abundant local cuisine

Pros of moving from Michigan to North Dakota

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to less snowfall
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to North Dakota with less congestion
• Swap the higher cost of living in Michigan for affordable housing in North Dakota
• Get ready for open spaces in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Michigan to North Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Great Lakes access in Michigan to live with fewer water bodies in North Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
• Time to bid farewell to the vibrant art scene and get used to limited art venues in North Dakota
• Swap abundant local cuisine for fewer dining options

Michigan vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Island Hot Dog, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Chislic to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reubens 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 Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Jolly Pumpkin Café and Brewery. 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 Mezzaluna.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and North Dakota

• The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and wooded lots, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open spaces.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• North Dakota housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in North Dakota is 29.63% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 18% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• North Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in North Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 1 degree warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 15.0 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and North Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 7% more than those in Michigan
• The COLI in North Dakota will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in ND is 2.90 compared to 4.25 in MI
• The affluence in North Dakota is high compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to moderate in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. North Dakota

• Michigan tends to lean swing state and leans Democratic in recent elections in its political climate
• North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as consistently Republican
• North Dakota's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with Lutheran and Catholic denominations prevalent
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Christian population

How Much Do Michigan to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 911 miles from Michigan 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.