North Dakota to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to California

ConsNorth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited nightlife
• Few job opportunities
• Remote location
• Limited cultural events

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Vibrant nightlife
• Diverse job market
• Access to amenities
• Rich cultural scene

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California

• Higher cost of living
• Busy and crowded
• Heavy traffic
• Competitive atmosphere
• Urban environment

North Dakota

• Lower cost of living
• Quieter lifestyle
• Low traffic
• Strong community ties
• Picturesque landscapes

Pros of moving from North Dakota to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited nightlife and moving to California with vibrant nightlife
• Swap the few job opportunities of North Dakota for a diverse job market in California
• Get ready for access to amenities in California

Cons of moving from North Dakota to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Dakota to live with a higher cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter lifestyle and have to settle with the con of being busy and crowded
• Time to bid farewell to low traffic and get used to heavy traffic in California
• Swap strong community ties for a competitive atmosphere

North Dakota vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from North Dakota to California, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Fry Bread, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip BBQ and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Kroll's Diner, Meat Shack, and Pitchfork Steak Fondue. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and California

• The Ranch architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and ocean views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than North Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
• California has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
• California housing costs are 209% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
• Rent in California is 167.12% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to California. California gets 41% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
• California 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 earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
• The average winter lows in California are 43 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California. California receives 5 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 27% more than those in North Dakota
• The COLI in California will be 43% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
• The state income tax in CA is 1.00 - 13.30 compared to 1.10 - 2.90 in ND
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in North Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in North Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is very low in North Dakota and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. California

• North Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
• North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to California

How Much Do North Dakota to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,720 miles from North Dakota to California will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.