Mississippi to North Dakota Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 1,502 mile interstate move from Mississippi to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Mississippi vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs cooler summers), food & health (like Catfish vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (antebellum, victorian 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 Catfish and Barbecue ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Bison steak
- North Dakota housing costs are 42% more expensive than they are in Mississippi
- Rent in North Dakota is 25.45% more affordable than in Mississippi
- Moving from Mississippi to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Mississippi to North Dakota movers is Two Men and a Truck
Mississippi to North Dakota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Mississippi to North Dakota
- High humidity
- Hurricane risk
- Limited snowfall
- Fewer winter sports
- Cooler summers
- Lower natural disasters
- Beautiful snowy winters
- Vast winter activities
- Fewer historical sites
- Fewer local dishes
- Colder winter months
- Shorter growing season
- Rich cultural history
- Southern cuisine
- Warm winters
- Longer growing season
Pros of moving from Mississippi to North Dakota
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to cooler summers
- Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to North Dakota with lower natural disasters
- Swap the limited snowfall of Mississippi for beautiful snowy winters in North Dakota
- Get ready for vast winter activities in North Dakota
Cons of moving from Mississippi to North Dakota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich cultural history in Mississippi to live with fewer historical sites in North Dakota
- You'll lose out on the pro of southern cuisine and have to settle with the con of fewer local dishes
- Time to bid farewell to warm winters and get used to colder winter months in North Dakota
- Swap a longer growing season for a shorter growing season
Mississippi vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Mississippi | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Catfish | Hotdish |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue ribs | Bison steak |
Most popular street food item | Tamales | Frybread tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Okra gumbo | 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 Mississippi to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Catfish of Mississippi for the equally delicious Hotdish of North Dakota. And while the locals in Mississippi rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Tamales, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Frybread Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo 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 Mississippi eateries like Mayflower Cafe, Doe's Eat Place, and Snackbar. After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like The Northern, Pit 105, and Kroll's Diner.
When comparing lifestyles, North Dakota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Mississippi. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Dakota, compared to what you are used to in Mississippi. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in North Dakota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Mississippi and North Dakota
Comparison | Mississippi | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Victorian | Ranch, Split-Level |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Privacy | Energy efficiency, Garages |
- The Antebellum and Victorian architecture that Mississippi is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-Level architecture typical of North Dakota.
- Compared to Mississippi's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and garages.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Dakota is more walkable than Mississippi.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Dakota is more bike-friendly than Mississippi.
- North Dakota has more of an urban feel than Mississippi.
- North Dakota housing costs are 42% more expensive than they are in Mississippi, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Mississippiβs $178,490.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 31% increase in Mississippi.
- Rent in North Dakota is 25.45% more affordable than in Mississippi.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Mississippi and North Dakota
Comparison | Mississippi | 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 | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Blizzards, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 91Β°F / 70Β°F | 82Β°F / 57Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 58Β°F / 38Β°F | 24Β°F / 2Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 59" | 18" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1" | 52" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Mississippi to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Mississippi.
- North Dakota has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Mississippi.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi, 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 9 degrees cooler than in Mississippi.
- The average winter lows are 36 degrees colder than they are in Mississippi.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 41 fewer inches of rain compared to Mississippi.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Mississippi and North Dakota
Comparison | Mississippi | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $52,719 | $71,970 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.1 | 95.3 |
State Income Tax | 3-5% | 1.1-2.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.81% | 1.0% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Forestry | Energy, Agriculture, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | High | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 37% more than those in Mississippi
- The COLI in North Dakota will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Mississippi
- The state income tax in ND is 1.1-2.9% compared to 3-5% in MS
- The affluence in North Dakota is high compared to moderate affluence in Mississippi
- The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to high poverty in Mississippi
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Mississippi and low in North Dakota
Political and Religious Climate in Mississippi vs. North Dakota
Comparison | Mississippi | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally leans Republican | Strongly Republican |
Local Politics | Focus on agriculture, healthcare, education | Energy, agriculture, and rural issues predominate |
Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian | Largely Christian, with a significant Lutheran presence |
- Mississippi tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
- North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
- North Dakota's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a significant Lutheran presence
- Mississippi's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian
Education Guide When Moving from Mississippi to North Dakota
Comparison | Mississippi | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Mississippi Mississippi State University University of Southern Mississippi | North Dakota State University University of North Dakota Minot State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Mannsdale Upper Elementary Madison | Eastside Elementary Clinton | Oak Park Elementary Laurel | Freedom Elementary West Fargo | Liberty Elementary Bismarck | Discovery Elementary Fargo |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Madison Middle School Madison | Germantown Middle Gluckstadt | Northwest Rankin Middle Flowood | Ben Franklin Middle School Fargo | Horizon Middle School Bismarck | Wachter Middle School Bismarck |
Top 3 High School Schools | Madison Central High School Madison | Ocean Springs High School Ocean Springs | Lewisburg High School Olive Branch | Century High School Bismarck | Fargo North High School Fargo | Davies High School Fargo |
Top 3 private high schools | Jackson Preparatory School Jackson | Madison-Ridgeland Academy Madison | St. Andrew's Episcopal School Ridgeland | Shanley High School Fargo | Oak Grove Lutheran School Fargo | Light of Christ Catholic Schools Bismarck |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | St. Andrew's Episcopal School Ridgeland | Jackson Academy Jackson | Heritage Academy Columbus | Oak Grove Lutheran School Fargo | Shiloh Christian School Bismarck | Dickinson Trinity High School Dickinson |
Top 3 School Districts | Madison County Schools Rankin County School District Clinton Public School District | Fargo Public Schools Bismarck Public Schools West Fargo Public Schools |
How Much Do Mississippi to North Dakota Movers Cost?
Moving 1,502 miles from Mississippi to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Midwest Moving Company
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,054 | 300 ft3 | $6.85 |
1 Bedroom | $3,059 | 450 ft3 | $6.80 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,060 | 750 ft3 | $6.75 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,366 | 1100 ft3 | $6.70 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,635 | 1600 ft3 | $6.65 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,874 | 1800 ft3 | $6.60 |
Top Mississippi to North Dakota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Mississippi to North Dakota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Two Men and a Truck
Best moving company overall for Mississippi to North Dakota