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North Dakota to Kansas Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 721 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Kansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Kansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Lefse vs BBQ Ribs), real estate & housing (ranch vs prairie), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kansas), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lefse and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for BBQ Ribs & Smoked Brisket
  • Kansas housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in North Dakota
  • Rent in Kansas is 7.50% more expensive than in North Dakota
  • Moving from North Dakota to Kansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended North Dakota to Kansas movers is Two Men and a Truck

North Dakota to Kansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Kansas

ConsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Severe winters
  • Remote rural areas
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Small city life
ProsKansas iconKansas
  • Milder winters
  • More urban amenities
  • Diverse job market
  • Active city life

Kansas iconKansas
  • Flat landscapes
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less personal interaction
  • Busy urban centers
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Natural beauty
  • Low cost of living
  • Friendly communities
  • Quiet lifestyle

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Kansas

  • Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from remote rural areas and moving to Kansas with more urban amenities
  • Swap the limited job opportunities of North Dakota for a diverse job market in Kansas
  • Get ready for an active city life in Kansas

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Kansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in North Dakota to live with flat landscapes in Kansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to less personal interaction in Kansas
  • Swap a quiet lifestyle for busy urban centers

North Dakota vs. Kansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth DakotaKansas
Most iconic local food itemLefseBBQ Ribs
Most popular meat dishWalleyeSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemTaco trucksBBQ food trucks
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • Kroll's Diner
  • HoDo Restaurant
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • The Anchor
  • Cafe Beautiful
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 Kansas, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious BBQ Ribs of Kansas. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Taco trucks, Kansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and BBQ food trucks 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 BBQ of Kansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Pitchfork Steak Fondue, Kroll's Diner, and HoDo Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Kansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Kansas' acclaimed eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, The Anchor, and Cafe Beautiful.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Kansas

ComparisonNorth DakotaKansas
Typical Architecture StyleRanchPrairie
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 parksGarages, basement
  • The Ranch architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Prairie architecture typical of Kansas.
  • Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to parks, Kansas real estate listings often highlight features like garages and basements.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Kansas is more walkable than North Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Kansas is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
  • Kansas has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
  • Kansas housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $223,883 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kansas have increased by 49% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
  • Rent in Kansas is 7.50% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

ComparisonNorth DakotaKansas
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, FloodsTornadoes, Hailstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 55Β°F91Β°F / 69Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)24Β°F / 2Β°F44Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)17"28"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)51"19"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to Kansas. Kansas gets 14% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
  • Kansas 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 tornadoes and hailstorms in Kansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kansas is 9 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kansas. Kansas receives 11 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Kansas

ComparisonNorth DakotaKansas
Avg. Household Income$71,970$68,925
Cost of Living Index95.391.8
State Income Tax2.9 - 5.4%3.1 - 5.7%
Avg. Property Tax1.0%1.4%
Avg. Sales Tax5.0%6.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Energy, ManufacturingAgriculture, Aerospace, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kansas tend to earn about 4% less than in North Dakota
  • The COLI in Kansas will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in North Dakota
  • The state income tax in KS is 3.1% to 5.7% compared to 2.9% to 5.4% in ND
  • The affluence in Kansas is moderate compared to moderate in North Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kansas compared to low in North Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Dakota and moderate in Kansas

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Kansas

ComparisonNorth DakotaKansas
Political Make-upLean RepublicanHistorically Republican, with Democratic urban centers
Local PoliticsLocal governance often focuses on agricultural policiesLocal issues may vary significantly between urban and rural settings
ReligionMajority Christian, with a prominence of Lutheran denominationsMajority Christian, diverse denominations with a significant Catholic presence
  • North Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Kansas, on the other hand, is often described as historically Republican with Democratic urban centers
  • Kansas' religious environment can be described as majority Christian with diverse denominations and a significant Catholic presence
  • North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Christian with a prominence of Lutheran denominations

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Kansas

ComparisonNorth DakotaKansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. North Dakota State University
Fargo
2. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks
3. Minot State University
Minot
1. University of Kansas
Lawrence
2. Kansas State University
Manhattan
3. Wichita State University
Wichita
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Freedom Elementary
West Fargo
2. Liberty Elementary
Bismarck
3. Centennial Elementary
Fargo
1. Corinth Elementary
Prairie Village
2. Briarwood Elementary
Overland Park
3. Sunset Hill Elementary
Lawrence
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Discovery Middle
Fargo
2. Horizon Middle
Bismarck
3. Ben Franklin Middle
Fargo
1. Indian Hills Middle
Prairie Village
2. Lakewood Middle
Overland Park
3. Harmony Middle
Overland Park
Top 3 High School Schools1. Fargo South High
Fargo
2. Century High
Bismarck
3. Red River High
Grand Forks
1. Blue Valley North High
Overland Park
2. Shawnee Mission East High
Prairie Village
3. Olathe North High
Olathe
Top 3 private high schools1. Shanley High School
Fargo
2. Bishop Ryan Catholic School
Minot
3. Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
1. The Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City
2. Kansas City Christian School
Prairie Village
3. Wichita Collegiate School
Wichita
Top 3 private K-12 schools1. Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
2. Shiloh Christian School
Bismarck
3. Dakota Adventist Academy
Bismarck
1. The Independent School
Wichita
2. The Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City
3. Wichita Collegiate School
Wichita
Top 3 School Districts1. Fargo Public Schools
Fargo
2. Bismarck Public Schools
Bismarck
3. West Fargo Public Schools
West Fargo
1. Blue Valley Unified School District
Overland Park
2. Shawnee Mission School District
Shawnee Mission
3. Olathe District Schools
Olathe

How Much Do North Dakota to Kansas Movers Cost?

Moving 721 miles from North Dakota to Kansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mike's Moving Pros
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,611300 ft3$5.37
1 Bedroom$2,394450 ft3$5.32
2 Bedrooms$3,953750 ft3$5.27
3 Bedrooms$5,7431100 ft3$5.22
4 Bedrooms$8,2731600 ft3$5.17
5+ Bedrooms$9,2171800 ft3$5.12

Top North Dakota to Kansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Kansas

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Quality Pack & Load featured image

Quality Pack & Load

9.06/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
American Movers featured image

American Movers

9.03/10
Top North Dakota to Kansas Routes

Fargo to Kansas