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North Dakota to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 1,338 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Lefse vs Marionberry Pie), real estate & housing (ranch, split-level vs craftsman, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lefse and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Marionberry Pie & Dungeness Crab
  • Oregon housing costs are 97% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
  • Rent in Oregon is 72.98% more expensive than in North Dakota
  • Moving from North Dakota to Oregon will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended North Dakota to Oregon movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

North Dakota to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Oregon

ConsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Sparse population
  • Landlocked state
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Milder climate
  • Diverse economy
  • Vibrant communities
  • Ocean access

Oregon iconOregon
  • Higher living costs
  • Earthquake risk
  • Traffic congestion
  • Dense urban areas
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Close community ties
  • Wide open spaces

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Oregon with a diverse economy
  • Swap the sparse population of North Dakota for vibrant communities in Oregon
  • Get ready for ocean access in Oregon

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Dakota to live with higher living costs in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of fewer natural disasters and have to settle for the con of earthquake risk
  • Time to bid farewell to close community ties and get used to traffic congestion in Oregon
  • Swap wide open spaces for dense urban areas

North Dakota vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth DakotaOregon
Most iconic local food itemLefseMarionberry Pie
Most popular meat dishBison SteakDungeness Crab
Most popular street food itemFry Bread TacosFood Truck Pod Offerings
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • Salt & Straw
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 Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Fry Bread Tacos, Oregon residents know they have tasty Dungeness Crab and Food Truck Pod Offerings 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 Tempeh Reuben of Oregon. 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 The Sawmill. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, and Salt & Straw.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Oregon

ComparisonNorth DakotaOregon
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Split-levelCraftsman, 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, quiet neighborhoodsEco-friendly features, proximity to nature
  • The Ranch and Split-level architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Modern architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Oregon is more walkable than North Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
  • Oregon has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
  • Oregon housing costs are 97% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
  • Rent in Oregon is 72.98% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

ComparisonNorth DakotaOregon
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, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 57Β°F81Β°F / 53Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)18Β°F / 0Β°F47Β°F / 34Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1740
Annual Snowfall (Inches)468
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Dakota to Oregon. Oregon gets 28% fewer sunshine days than North Dakota.
  • Oregon has higher 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 earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon.
  • The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 1 degree colder than in North Dakota.
  • The average winter lows are 34 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 23 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Oregon

ComparisonNorth DakotaOregon
Avg. Household Income$71,970$75,657
Cost of Living Index95.3110.55
State Income Tax2.9%9.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.0%1.1%
Avg. Sales Tax5%0%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Energy, RetailTechnology, Forestry, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 5% more than in North Dakota
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 16% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
  • The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 2.9% in ND
  • The affluence in Oregon is high compared to moderate in North Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to low in North Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Dakota and high in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Oregon

ComparisonNorth DakotaOregon
Political Make-upConservatively inclinedProgressively inclined
Local PoliticsRepublican-dominantDemocratic/progressive-dominant
ReligionLargely Christian North Dakota Council of ChurchesMixed, with a higher percentage of unaffiliated Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
  • North Dakota tends to lean conservatively inclined in its political climate
  • Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as progressively inclined
  • Oregon's religious environment can be described as mixed with a higher percentage of unaffiliated Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
  • North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian according to the North Dakota Council of Churches

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Oregon

ComparisonNorth DakotaOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Minot State University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFreedman Elementary School
Bismarck; Roosevelt Elementary
Dickinson; Lincoln Elementary
Jamestown
Ainsworth Elementary
Portland; Findley Elementary
Beaverton; Jacob Wismer Elementary
Portland
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSimle Middle School
Bismarck; Ben Franklin Middle School
Fargo; Wachter Middle School
Bismarck
Stoller Middle School
Portland; Lake Oswego Junior High
Lake Oswego; Timber Ridge School
Albany
Top 3 High SchoolsCentury High School
Bismarck; Fargo North High School
Fargo; Grand Forks Central High
Grand Forks
Corvallis High School
Corvallis; South Eugene High School
Eugene; Lake Oswego High School
Lake Oswego
Top 3 private high schoolsShanley High School
Fargo; Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo; Light of Christ Catholic Schools
Bismarck
Catlin Gabel School
Portland; OES
Portland; St. Mary's Academy
Portland
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLight of Christ Catholic Schools
Bismarck; Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo; Shiloh Christian School
Bismarck
Catlin Gabel School
Portland; Oregon Episcopal School
Portland; Delphian School
Sheridan
Top 3 School DistrictsFargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
Grand Forks Public Schools
Lake Oswego School District
Corvallis School District
Portland Public Schools

How Much Do North Dakota to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 1,338 miles from North Dakota to Oregon will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,961300 ft3$6.54
1 Bedroom$2,919450 ft3$6.49
2 Bedrooms$4,828750 ft3$6.44
3 Bedrooms$7,0251100 ft3$6.39
4 Bedrooms$10,1391600 ft3$6.34
5+ Bedrooms$11,3161800 ft3$6.29

Top North Dakota to Oregon Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Oregon

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Relocation Services featured image

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
Top North Dakota to Oregon Routes

Fargo to Oregon