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North Dakota to Nebraska Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 520 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Nebraska? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Nebraska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Lefse vs Runza), real estate & housing (ranch-style vs victorian and ranch-style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lefse and Bison steak, but get your taste buds ready for Runza & Beef steak
  • Nebraska housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
  • Rent in Nebraska is 25.10% more expensive than in North Dakota
  • Moving from North Dakota to Nebraska will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended North Dakota to Nebraska movers is King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

North Dakota to Nebraska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Nebraska

ConsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Sparse dining options
  • Limited public transport
ProsNebraska iconNebraska
  • Milder climate
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse restaurant scene
  • Better transit systems

Nebraska iconNebraska
  • Higher expenses
  • Busier lifestyle
  • Fast-paced environment
  • Fewer natural spaces
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Low cost of living
  • Tranquil, rural life
  • Community-driven atmosphere
  • Beautiful natural parks

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Nebraska

  • Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer cultural events and moving to Nebraska with a vibrant cultural scene
  • Swap the sparse dining options of North Dakota for a diverse restaurant scene in Nebraska
  • Get ready for better transit systems in Nebraska

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Nebraska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in North Dakota to live with higher expenses in Nebraska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a tranquil, rural life and have to settle for the con of a busier lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to a community-driven atmosphere and get used to a fast-paced environment in Nebraska
  • Swap beautiful natural parks for fewer natural spaces

North Dakota vs. Nebraska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth DakotaNebraska
Most iconic local food itemLefseRunza
Most popular meat dishBison steakBeef steak
Most popular street food itemFood truck tacosReuben sandwich
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa saladVegan chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • HoDo Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Dakota to Nebraska, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Runza of Nebraska. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous food truck tacos, Nebraska residents know they have tasty Beef steak and Reuben sandwich 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 Vegan chili of Nebraska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Kroll's Diner, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and HoDo Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Nebraska, don't wait too long before making your way to Nebraska's acclaimed eateries like The Drover, Misty's Steakhouse, and Modern Love.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Nebraska

ComparisonNorth DakotaNebraska
Typical Architecture StyleRanch-styleVictorian and Ranch-style
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 backyards, proximity to schoolsEnergy efficiency, modern kitchens
  • The Ranch-style architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Ranch-style architecture typical of Nebraska.
  • Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to schools, Nebraska real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and modern kitchens.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Nebraska is more walkable than North Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Nebraska is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
  • Nebraska has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
  • Nebraska housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $257,167 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Nebraska have increased by 47% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
  • Rent in Nebraska is 25.10% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

ComparisonNorth DakotaNebraska
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 QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°/57Β°87Β°/63Β°
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)18Β°/-2Β°36Β°/13Β°
Annual Rainfall (Inches)17-2020-30
Annual Snowfall (Inches)38-5028-35
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to Nebraska. Nebraska gets 10% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
  • Nebraska 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 Nebraska.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Nebraska is 5 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in Nebraska are 15 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Nebraska. Nebraska receives 3 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Nebraska

ComparisonNorth DakotaNebraska
Avg. Household Income$71,970$69,597
Cost of Living Index95.390.85
State Income Tax2.9% - 5.3%2.46% - 6.84%
Avg. Property Tax0.98%1.61%
Avg. Sales Tax5.0%5.5%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Agriculture, ManufacturingAgriculture, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateStable
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Nebraska tend to earn about 3% less than those in North Dakota
  • The COLI in Nebraska is 5% lower than what you are used to living in North Dakota
  • The state income tax in NE is 2.46% to 6.84% compared to 2.9% to 5.3% in ND
  • The affluence in Nebraska is stable compared to moderate affluence in North Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Nebraska compared to low in North Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in North Dakota and moderate in Nebraska

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Nebraska

ComparisonNorth DakotaNebraska
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Conservative
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceMixed, with Republican Dominance
ReligionChristian DominanceChristian Dominance
  • North Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Nebraska, on the other hand, is often described as lean Conservative
  • Nebraska's religious environment can be described as Christian dominance
  • North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian dominance

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Nebraska

ComparisonNorth DakotaNebraska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Minot State University
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Creighton University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFreedom Elementary (West Fargo)
Centennial Elementary (Bismarck)
Lincoln Elementary (Jamestown)
Paddock Road Elementary (Omaha)
Pyrtle Elementary (Lincoln)
Meadow Lane Elementary (Lincoln)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBismarck Career Academy (Bismarck)
Will-Moore Elementary School (Bismarck)
Simle Middle School (Bismarck)
Elkhorn Ridge Middle School (Elkhorn)
Scott Middle School (Lincoln)
Kiewit Middle School (Omaha)
Top 3 High School SchoolsCentury High School (Bismarck)
Fargo North High (Fargo)
Grand Forks Central High (Grand Forks)
Lincoln East High School (Lincoln)
Millard North High School (Omaha)
Elkhorn South High School (Elkhorn)
Top 3 private high schoolsShanley High School (Fargo)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Light of Christ Catholic Schools (Bismarck)
Brownell Talbot School (Omaha)
Marian High School (Omaha)
Mount Michael Benedictine School (Elkhorn)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsOak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck)
Brownell Talbot School (Omaha)
Omaha Christian Academy (Omaha)
Lincoln Christian School (Lincoln)
Top 3 School DistrictsBismarck Public School District
Fargo Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools
Lincoln Public Schools
Millard Public Schools
Elkhorn Public Schools

How Much Do North Dakota to Nebraska Movers Cost?

Moving 520 miles from North Dakota to Nebraska 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,497300 ft3$4.99
1 Bedroom$2,223450 ft3$4.94
2 Bedrooms$3,668750 ft3$4.89
3 Bedrooms$5,3251100 ft3$4.84
4 Bedrooms$7,6661600 ft3$4.79
5+ Bedrooms$8,5341800 ft3$4.74

Top North Dakota to Nebraska Movers

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

TOP PICK
King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha featured image

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Nebraska

9.48/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
King's Moving featured image

King's Moving

9.36/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details