North Carolina to North Dakota Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

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
- Hurricane risk
- High humidity
- Urban traffic
- High population density
- Cost of living
- Low natural disasters
- Milder summers
- Less congestion
- Open spaces
- Affordable housing
- Harsh winters
- Landlocked
- Fewer cultural events
- Limited BBQ options
- Quieter evenings
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled Pork BBQ | Knoephla Soup |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern-style BBQ | Bison Steak |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Fleischkuekle |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Lentil Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 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 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
Comparison | North Carolina | 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 | Hardwood floors, large backyards | Energy 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 Carolinaβs $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
Comparison | North Carolina | 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 | Very Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 88Β°F / 67Β°F | 82Β°F / 57Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 24Β°F / 2Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 43 | 17 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5 | 46 |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $71,970 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 95.3 |
State Income Tax | 5.25% | 2.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.84% | 1.05% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.98% | 6.85% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Financial Services, Agriculture | Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Minimal |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative | Conservative |
Local Politics | Mix of urban liberal & rural conservative areas | Primarily conservative, especially in rural areas |
Religion | Christianity predominant, Southern Baptist & Methodist strongholds | Christianity 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
Comparison | North Carolina | North 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 Schools | Morrisville Elementary - Morrisville Davis Drive Elementary - Cary Unionville Elementary - Monroe | Freedom Elementary - West Fargo Roosevelt Elementary - Mandan Lincoln Elementary - Dickinson |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Jay 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 Schools | Raleigh 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 schools | Charlotte 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 schools | Cary 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 Districts | Chapel 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,144 | 300 ft3 | $7.15 |
1 Bedroom | $3,194 | 450 ft3 | $7.10 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,285 | 750 ft3 | $7.05 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,697 | 1100 ft3 | $7.00 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,115 | 1600 ft3 | $6.95 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,415 | 1800 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.

Just Move It, LLC
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to North Dakota