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Michigan to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 911 mile interstate move from Michigan to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs less snowfall), food & health (like Pasties vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial 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 Pasties and Detroit-style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Burgers
  • North Dakota housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in North Dakota is 29.63% more affordable than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to North Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to North Dakota movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to North Dakota

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense population
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Less snowfall
  • Less congestion
  • Affordable housing
  • Open spaces

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Fewer water bodies
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited art venues
  • Fewer dining options
Michigan iconMichigan
  • 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

ComparisonMichiganNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemPastiesKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style PizzaBison Burgers
Most popular street food itemConey Island Hot DogChislic
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubensLentil Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Jolly Pumpkin CafΓ© & Brewery
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • Mezzaluna
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 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 CafΓ© 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

ComparisonMichiganNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialRanch, 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 listingLake access, Wooded lotsEnergy efficiency, Open spaces
  • 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

ComparisonMichiganNorth 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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)81Β°F / 59Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)32Β°F / 18Β°F23Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.817.8
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.6651.2
  • 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

ComparisonMichiganNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$66,986$71,970
Cost of Living Index91.295.3
State Income Tax4.252.90
Avg. Property Tax1.641.05
Avg. Sales Tax6.005.00
Top 3 IndustriesAutomotive, Manufacturing, AgricultureAgriculture, Energy, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • 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

ComparisonMichiganNorth Dakota
Political Make-upSwing State, leans Democratic in recent electionsConsistently Republican
Local PoliticsVaries by region, urban areas more DemocraticDominantly Republican across the state
ReligionMixed, with a significant Christian populationPredominantly Christian, Lutheran and Catholic denominations prevalent
  • 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

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to North Dakota

ComparisonMichiganNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHarlan Elementary
Bloomfield Hills; Deerfield Elementary
Novi; Bingham Farms Elementary
Bingham Farms
Freedom Elementary
West Fargo; Discovery Elementary
Grand Forks; Independence Elementary
West Fargo
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBoulan Park Middle School
Troy; West Middle School
Rochester; Meads Mill Middle School
Northville
Ben Franklin Middle School
Fargo; Cheney Middle School
West Fargo; Simle Middle School
Bismarck
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy
Bloomfield Hills; Troy High School
Troy; Northville High School
Northville
Fargo North High School
Fargo; Century High School
Bismarck; Grand Forks Central High School
Grand Forks
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Roeper School
Bloomfield Hills
Shanley High School
Fargo; St. Mary's Central High School
Bismarck; Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRoeper School
Bloomfield Hills; Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo; Shiloh Christian School
Bismarck; Trinity Christian School
Williston
Top 3 School DistrictsBloomfield Hills Schools
Novi Community School District
Troy School District
West Fargo Public Schools
Fargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools

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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 6.5-15.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,719300 ft3$5.73
1 Bedroom$2,556450 ft3$5.68
2 Bedrooms$4,222750 ft3$5.63
3 Bedrooms$6,1381100 ft3$5.58
4 Bedrooms$8,8481600 ft3$5.53
5+ Bedrooms$9,8641800 ft3$5.48

Top Michigan to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to North Dakota

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  featured image

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

9.07/10
ExceptionalView details
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