Movers

North Carolina to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 1,661 mile interstate move from North Carolina to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risk vs low natural disasters), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern-style BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Steak
  • North Dakota housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in North Dakota is 41.08% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to North Dakota movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to North Dakota

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricane risk
  • High humidity
  • Urban traffic
  • High population density
  • Cost of living
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Low natural disasters
  • Milder summers
  • Less congestion
  • Open spaces
  • Affordable housing

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Landlocked
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited BBQ options
  • Quieter evenings
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Warm climate
  • Beach access
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Renowned BBQ
  • Charlotte nightlife

Pros of moving from North Carolina to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to low natural disasters
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to North Dakota with milder summers
  • Swap the urban traffic of North Carolina for less congestion in North Dakota
  • Get ready for open spaces in North Dakota

Cons of moving from North Carolina to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a warm climate in North Carolina to live with harsh winters in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of being landlocked
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich cultural scene and get used to fewer cultural events in North Dakota
  • Swap renowned BBQ for limited BBQ options

North Carolina vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishEastern-style BBQBison Steak
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsFleischkuekle
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Chef & the Farmer
  • The Angus Barn
  • Kroll's Diner
  • HoDo Restaurant
  • Pirogue Grille
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Carolina to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern-style BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit 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 North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Chef and the Farmer, and The Angus Barn. 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, HoDo Restaurant, and Pirogue Grille.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and North Dakota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, 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 listingHardwood floors, large backyardsEnergy efficiency, modern appliances
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and large backyards, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and modern appliances.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Dakota is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Dakota is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 41.08% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNorth 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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 67Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F24Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4317
Annual Snowfall (Inches)546
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 6% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • North Dakota has similar humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, 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 6 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 28 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 26 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and North Dakota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$67,481$71,970
Cost of Living Index95.8595.3
State Income Tax5.25%2.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%1.05%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%6.85%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Financial Services, AgricultureEnergy, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 7% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in ND is 2.9% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in North Dakota is high compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in North Carolina and minimal in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. North Dakota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Political Make-upModerately ConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal & rural conservative areasPrimarily conservative, especially in rural areas
ReligionChristianity predominant, Southern Baptist & Methodist strongholdsChristianity predominant, Lutheran & Catholic strongholds
  • North Carolina 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 predominantly Christianity, with strongholds of Lutheran and Catholic
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with strongholds of Southern Baptist and Methodist

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to North Dakota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMorrisville Elementary - Morrisville
Davis Drive Elementary - Cary
Unionville Elementary - Monroe
Freedom Elementary - West Fargo
Roosevelt Elementary - Mandan
Lincoln Elementary - Dickinson
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson Middle - Charlotte
Mills Park Middle - Cary
Salem Middle - Apex
Bismarck's Wachter Middle - Bismarck
Ben Franklin Middle - Fargo
Horizon Middle - Bismarck
Top 3 High SchoolsRaleigh Charter High School - Raleigh
Philip J. Weaver Ed Center - Greensboro
Providence High - Charlotte
Central High School - Grand Forks
Century High School - Bismarck
Davies High School - Fargo
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Country Day School - Charlotte
Durham Academy - Durham
Greensboro Day School - Greensboro
Shiloh Christian School - Bismarck
Oak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo
Fargo Shanley High School - Fargo
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCary Academy - Cary
Providence Day School - Charlotte
The O'Neal School - Southern Pines
Oak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo
Shiloh Christian School - Bismarck
Dakota Adventist Academy - Bismarck
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Fargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public School District
West Fargo Public Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,661 miles from North Carolina 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 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,144300 ft3$7.15
1 Bedroom$3,194450 ft3$7.10
2 Bedrooms$5,285750 ft3$7.05
3 Bedrooms$7,6971100 ft3$7.00
4 Bedrooms$11,1151600 ft3$6.95
5+ Bedrooms$12,4151800 ft3$6.90

Top North Carolina to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to North Dakota

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details

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