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North Dakota to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 355 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Lefse vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (ranch vs victorian and modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lefse and Bison steak, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
  • Rent in Minnesota is 63.27% more expensive than in North Dakota
  • Moving from North Dakota to Minnesota will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended North Dakota to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

North Dakota to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Minnesota

ConsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Severe winters
  • Limited urban amenities
  • Few job opportunities
  • Isolation
  • Fewer healthcare facilities
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Milder climate
  • Vibrant cities
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural life
  • Advanced healthcare system

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Higher cost of living
  • Greater traffic congestion
  • Less open space
  • Higher population density
  • Higher crime rates
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Safe communities
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Friendly locals
  • Low crime rate

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited urban amenities and moving to Minnesota with vibrant cities
  • Swap the few job opportunities of North Dakota for a diverse job market in Minnesota
  • Get ready for a rich cultural life in Minnesota

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in North Dakota to live with a higher cost of living in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of safe communities and have to settle with the con of greater traffic congestion
  • Time to bid farewell to beautiful landscapes and get used to less open space in Minnesota
  • Swap friendly locals for a higher population density

North Dakota vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth DakotaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemLefseHotdish
Most popular meat dishBison steakWalleye
Most popular street food itemKnoephla soupJucy Lucy burger
Most popular vegan foodRhubarb pieVegan wild rice soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Hunter's Club
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Sickies Garage
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 Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Knoephla soup, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Jucy Lucy burger to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Rhubarb pie they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan wild rice soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Hunter's Club, Kroll's Diner, and Sickies Garage. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and Cafe Alma.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Minnesota

ComparisonNorth DakotaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleRanchVictorian and Modern
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, garagesEco-friendly features, lakefront
  • The Ranch architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Modern architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly amenities and lakefront properties.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than North Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 63.27% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

ComparisonNorth DakotaMinnesota
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 DisastersFloods, BlizzardsFloods, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 57Β°F83Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)18Β°F / 0Β°F23Β°F / 7Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)17"30"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)46"54"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Dakota to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 1% fewer sunshine days than North Dakota.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Dakota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and blizzards in North Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 1 degree warmer than in North Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer in Minnesota than they are in North Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 13 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Minnesota

ComparisonNorth DakotaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$71,970$82,338
Cost of Living Index95.398.75
State Income Tax2.9% - 5.04%5.35% - 9.85%
Avg. Property Tax1.01%1.10%
Avg. Sales Tax5.0%6.875%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Energy, ManufacturingHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate to High
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 14% more than in North Dakota
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 4% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
  • The state income tax in MN is 5.35% to 9.85% compared to 2.9% to 5.04% in ND
  • The affluence in Minnesota is moderate to high compared to moderate in North Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to low in North Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in North Dakota and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Minnesota

ComparisonNorth DakotaMinnesota
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceDemocratic Dominance
ReligionChristianity PredominantMixed, with a Large Christian Majority
  • North Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a large Christian majority
  • North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Minnesota

ComparisonNorth DakotaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFreedom Elementary (West Fargo)
Liberty Elementary (Bismarck)
Centennial Elementary (Fargo)
Scenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)
Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth)
Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBen Franklin Middle School (Fargo)
Discovery Middle School (Fargo)
Horizon Middle School (Moorhead)
Wayzata East Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Twin Oaks Middle School (Prior Lake)
Top 3 High School SchoolsFargo South High School (Fargo)
Century High School (Bismarck)
Grand Forks Central High School (Grand Forks)
Edina High School (Edina)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Top 3 private high schoolsShanley High School (Fargo)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Bismarck Catholic High School (Bismarck)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsOak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
Trinity Christian School (Williston)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
Top 3 School DistrictsFargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools
Minnetonka Public School District
Edina Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools

How Much Do North Dakota to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 355 miles from North Dakota to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,404300 ft3$4.68
1 Bedroom$2,083450 ft3$4.63
2 Bedrooms$3,434750 ft3$4.58
3 Bedrooms$4,9821100 ft3$4.53
4 Bedrooms$7,1671600 ft3$4.48
5+ Bedrooms$7,9721800 ft3$4.43

Top North Dakota to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Minnesota

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details