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North Dakota to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 1,508 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winter weather vs warm, sunny climate), food & health (like Lefse vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (ranch style vs spanish colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lefse and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 70% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
  • Rent in Arizona is 87.50% more expensive than in North Dakota
  • Moving from North Dakota to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended North Dakota to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

North Dakota to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Arizona

ConsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Harsh winter weather
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Rural isolation
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Warm, sunny climate
  • Growing job market
  • Urban amenities

Arizona iconArizona
  • Higher living costs
  • Less community feel
  • Desert environment
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Tight-knit communities
  • Open landscapes

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to harsh winter weather and hello to a warm, sunny climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Arizona with a growing job market
  • Swap the rural isolation of North Dakota for urban amenities in Arizona

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in North Dakota to live with higher living costs in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of tight-knit communities and have to settle with the con of a less community feel
  • Time to bid farewell to open landscapes and get used to a desert environment in Arizona

North Dakota vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth DakotaArizona
Most iconic local food itemLefseSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishWalleyeCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemKnoephla SoupTacos
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Badger's Business
  • Prairie Knights Casino and Resort
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 North Dakota to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Knoephla Soup, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Kroll's Diner, Badger's Business, and Prairie Knights Casino and Resort. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El GΓΌero Canelo, Pizzicletta, and Durant's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Arizona

ComparisonNorth DakotaArizona
Typical Architecture StyleRanch StyleSpanish Colonial
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 listingSpacious yards, proximity to natureSwimming pools, solar panels
  • The Ranch Style architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to nature, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and solar panels.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than North Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
  • Arizona housing costs are 70% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased 63% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
  • Rent in Arizona is 87.50% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

ComparisonNorth DakotaArizona
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 DisastersBlizzards, FloodsHeatwaves, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVaries; urban areas have higher pollution
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 55Β°F106Β°F / 83Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)18Β°F / 0Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1713
Annual Snowfall (Inches)460 in lower areas; up to 100 in highlands
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to Arizona. Arizona gets 42% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Dakota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in North Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and wildfires in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 24 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 46 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Arizona

ComparisonNorth DakotaArizona
Avg. Household Income$71,970$74,568
Cost of Living Index95.3101.2
State Income Tax2.90%4.50%
Avg. Property Tax1.00%0.65%
Avg. Sales Tax6.85%8.40%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Energy, ManufacturingTourism, Manufacturing, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessRareNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 4% more than in North Dakota
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
  • The state income tax in AZ is 4.50% compared to 2.90% in ND
  • The affluence in Arizona is varied compared to moderate affluence in North Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to low in North Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is rare in North Dakota and noticeable in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Arizona

ComparisonNorth DakotaArizona
Political Make-upPrimarily RepublicanMixed, with a slight Democratic lean
Local PoliticsConservative policies dominateVaries by region; urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas lean Republican
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a strong Lutheran presenceDiverse, Christianity prevalent but with a significant non-religious population
  • North Dakota tends to lean primarily Republican in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight Democratic lean
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse with Christianity prevalent but a significant non-religious population
  • North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a strong Lutheran presence

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Arizona

ComparisonNorth DakotaArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Minot State University
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFreedman Elementary (Fargo)
Liberty Elementary (Bismarck)
Roosevelt Elementary (Mandan)
Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
BASIS Scottsdale Primary - East Campus (Scottsdale)
Manzanita Elementary School (Tucson)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBen Franklin Middle School (Fargo)
Horizon Middle School (Bismarck)
Wachter Middle School (Mandan)
BASIS Chandler (Chandler)
BASIS Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Preparatory Academy (Mesa)
Top 3 High School SchoolsFargo North High School (Fargo)
Century High School (Bismarck)
Minot High School (Minot)
BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
BASIS Tucson North (Tucson)
University High School (Tucson)
Top 3 private high schoolsShanley High School (Fargo)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Minot Ryan Catholic School (Minot)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsOak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
Trinity Christian School (Williston)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
Top 3 School DistrictsFargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools
Scottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Tucson Unified School District

How Much Do North Dakota to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,508 miles from North Dakota to Arizona 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 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3.5-11 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,057300 ft3$6.86
1 Bedroom$3,064450 ft3$6.81
2 Bedrooms$5,069750 ft3$6.76
3 Bedrooms$7,3791100 ft3$6.71
4 Bedrooms$10,6531600 ft3$6.66
5+ Bedrooms$11,8941800 ft3$6.61

Top North Dakota to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details