North Dakota to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

Planning a 1,843 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder weather), food & health (like Hotdish vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (ranch, split-level vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Hotdish and Buffalo Burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Baked Beans and Pork
- Massachusetts housing costs are 142% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
- Rent in Massachusetts is 148.75% more expensive than in North Dakota
- Moving from North Dakota to Massachusetts will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
- Our top recommended North Dakota to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
North Dakota to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Massachusetts
- Harsh winters
- Sparse cultural events
- Limited job market
- Isolated geography
- Milder weather
- Rich cultural scene
- Diverse job opportunities
- Proximity to coast
- Higher living expenses
- Congested roads
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Individualistic culture
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- Tranquil lifestyle
- Strong community bonds
Pros of moving from North Dakota to Massachusetts
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder weather
- Look forward to moving away from sparse cultural events and moving to Massachusetts with a rich cultural scene
- Swap the limited job market of North Dakota for diverse job opportunities in Massachusetts
- Get ready for proximity to the coast in Massachusetts
Cons of moving from North Dakota to Massachusetts
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Dakota to live with higher living expenses in Massachusetts
- You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic and have to settle for the con of congested roads
- Time to bid farewell to a tranquil lifestyle and get used to a fast-paced lifestyle in Massachusetts
- Swap strong community bonds for an individualistic culture
North Dakota vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | North Dakota | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Hotdish | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Buffalo Burgers | Baked Beans and Pork |
Most popular street food item | Knoephla Soup | Lobster Rolls |
Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Dish | Vegan Clam Chowder |
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 Dakota to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of North Dakota for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Buffalo Burgers and sumptuous Knoephla Soup, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Baked Beans and Pork and Lobster Rolls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Dish they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. 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 Theodore's Dining Room. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Legal Sea Foods, and Oleana.
When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in North Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Massachusetts.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Massachusetts
Comparison | North Dakota | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Split-level | Colonial, Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods | Historic details, Proximity to education and tech hubs |
- The Ranch and Split-level architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
- Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to education and tech hubs.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than North Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
- Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
- Massachusetts housing costs are 142% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to North Dakotaβs $253,395.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
- Rent in Massachusetts is 148.75% more expensive than in North Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Dakota and Massachusetts
Comparison | North Dakota | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 | Blizzards, Floods | Blizzards, Hurricanes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F/55Β°F | 82Β°F/62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 18Β°F/-2Β°F | 37Β°F/22Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 17-19 | 43-45 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 35-50 | 43-45 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Dakota to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 0% fewer sunshine days than North Dakota.
- Massachusetts has higher 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 blizzards and hurricanes in Massachusetts.
- The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is the same as in North Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 26 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Massachusetts
Comparison | North Dakota | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,970 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.3 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 2.9% | 5.1% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.0% | 1.2% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.0% | 6.3% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing | Education, Healthcare, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | Prosperous |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 31% more than those in North Dakota
- The COLI in Massachusetts is 28% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
- The state income tax in Massachusetts is 5.1% compared to 2.9% in North Dakota
- The affluence in Massachusetts is prosperous compared to moderate in North Dakota
- The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate in North Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Dakota and moderate in Massachusetts
Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Massachusetts
Comparison | North Dakota | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Primarily Republican | Primarily Democratic |
Local Politics | Conservative values prevail | Liberal values prevail |
Religion | Protestantism and Catholicism are predominant | Catholicism is predominant, with a strong presence of other faiths |
- North Dakota tends to lean primarily Republican in its political climate
- Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
- Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as Catholicism being predominant with a strong presence of other faiths
- North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestantism and Catholicism being predominant
Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Massachusetts
Comparison | North Dakota | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of North Dakota North Dakota State University Minot State University | Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Freedom Elementary (West Fargo) Liberty Elementary (Bismarck) South Elementary (Fargo) | John D. Hardy Elementary (Wellesley) Vinson-Owen Elementary (Winchester) Joseph Estabrook Elementary (Lexington) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Ben Franklin Middle School (Fargo) Discovery Middle School (Fargo) Horizon Middle School (Bismarck) | William Diamond Middle School (Lexington) Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington) Edward W. Brooke Charter School (Boston) |
Top 3 High Schools | Fargo North High School (Fargo) Century High School (Bismarck) Red River High School (Grand Forks) | Boston Latin School (Boston) Lexington High School (Lexington) Brookline High (Brookline) |
Top 3 private high schools | Shanley High School (Fargo) St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck) Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) | Phillips Academy (Andover) Groton School (Groton) Milton Academy (Milton) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck) | Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge) Noble and Greenough School (Dedham) The Winsor School (Boston) |
Top 3 School Districts | Fargo Public Schools Bismarck Public Schools Grand Forks Public Schools | Lexington Public Schools Newton Public Schools Wellesley Public Schools |
How Much Do North Dakota to Massachusetts Movers Cost?
Moving 1,843 miles from North Dakota to Massachusetts will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,247 | 300 ft3 | $7.49 |
1 Bedroom | $3,348 | 450 ft3 | $7.44 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,543 | 750 ft3 | $7.39 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,075 | 1100 ft3 | $7.34 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,666 | 1600 ft3 | $7.29 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,034 | 1800 ft3 | $7.24 |
Top North Dakota to Massachusetts Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Dakota to Massachusetts movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Massachusetts