North Dakota to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Montana

ConsNorth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Flat terrain
• Few cultural events

ProsMontana

• More moderate climate
• Diverse employment opportunities
• Scenic landscapes
• Vibrant cultural scene

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Montana

• Higher crime rates
• Higher expenses
• Busy urban areas
• Less personal connections

North Dakota

• Low crime rate
• Cost of living
• Small-town feel
• Friendly community

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Montana

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a more moderate climate
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Montana with diverse employment opportunities
• Swap the flat terrain of North Dakota for scenic landscapes in Montana
• Get ready for a vibrant cultural scene in Montana

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low crime rate in North Dakota to live with higher crime rates in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher expenses
• Time to bid farewell to a small-town feel and get used to busy urban areas in Montana
• Swap a friendly community for less personal connections

North Dakota vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from North Dakota to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Fry Bread Tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty Elk Steak and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Montana. 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 Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Ciao Mambo, The Uptown Diner, and Sip 'n Dip Lounge.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Montana

• The Ranch architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than North Dakota.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Montana is less bike-friendly than North Dakota.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than North Dakota.
• Montana housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
• Rent in Montana is 38.08% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to Montana. Montana gets 2% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
• Montana has lower humidity and a similar 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Montana.
• The average summer high temperature in Montana is 2 degrees colder than in North Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Montana are 12 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 6% less than in North Dakota
• The COLI in Montana will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
• The state income tax in MT is 1.00% - 6.90% compared to 2.04% - 2.90% in ND
• The affluence in Montana is average compared to moderate in North Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to low in North Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in North Dakota and slight in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Montana

• North Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning conservative
• Montana's religious environment can be described as Christian (Protestant and Catholic)
• North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Majority Protestant)

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Montana

How Much Do North Dakota to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 526 miles from North Dakota to Montana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.