ND to PA Moving Specialists

North Dakota to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,479 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like brutal winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Lefse vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes, politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lefse and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh-style steak
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 3% more expensive than those in North Dakota
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 45.38% more expensive than in North Dakota
  • Moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended North Dakota to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Top North Dakota to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for North Dakota to Pennsylvania

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.51/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
Exceptional

North Dakota to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania

ConsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Brutal winters
  • Rural isolation
  • Slower pace
  • Limited job options
  • Few healthcare facilities
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder climate
  • Urban opportunities
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse economy
  • Better medical access

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher living expenses
  • Hustle and bustle
  • Less green areas
  • Less personal ties
  • Traffic congestion
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quiet environment
  • Open spaces
  • Community feel
  • Low traffic

Pros of moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to brutal winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Pennsylvania with urban opportunities
  • Swap the slower pace of North Dakota for a vibrant cultural scene in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for a diverse economy in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Dakota to live with higher living expenses in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a quiet environment and have to settle with the con of hustle and bustle
  • Time to bid farewell to open spaces and get used to less green areas in Pennsylvania
  • Swap a community feel for less personal ties

North Dakota vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth DakotaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemLefsePhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishBison SteakPittsburgh-style steak
Most popular street food itemFry Bread TacosPretzels
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • The HoDo Restaurant
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Reading Terminal Market
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Fry Bread Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style steak and Pretzels 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 Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. 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 HoDo Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Primanti Bros., and Reading Terminal Market.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Pennsylvania

ComparisonNorth DakotaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanColonial and Victorian
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 neighborhoodsHistoric features, proximity to amenities
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Nationwide
$355k$355k$284k$284k$213k$213k$142k$142k$71k$71k0020152015201620162017201720182018201920192020202020212021202220222023202320242024
source: zillow.com
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Nationwide
$2k$2k$1.6k$1.6k$1.2k$1.2k8008004004000020152015201620162017201720182018201920192020202020212021202220222023202320242024
source: zillow.com
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic elements and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than North Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 3% more expensive than those in North Dakota, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to North Dakota’s $253,395.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 45.38% more expensive than in North Dakota.

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

ComparisonNorth DakotaPennsylvania
Days of Sunshine per Year201 days179 days
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, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)18Β°F / 0Β°F39Β°F / 21Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)17 inches42 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)51 inches38 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Dakota to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 11% fewer sunshine days than North Dakota.
  • Pennsylvania has lower 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 hurricanes in Pennsylvania.
  • The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 3 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in Pennsylvania are 21 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 25 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.

Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonNorth DakotaPennsylvania
Political Make-upConservativeModerate, leaning Democrat
Local PoliticsRural interests dominateUrban and rural interests balanced
ReligionChristianity (Protestant)Christianity (Catholic and Protestant)
  • North Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as moderate, leaning Democrat
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as Christianity (Catholic and Protestant)
  • North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity (Protestant)

Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania

ComparisonNorth DakotaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Minot State University
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFreedom Elementary - West Fargo
Longfellow Elementary - Fargo
Lincoln Elementary - Dickinson
Whitemarsh Elementary - Conshohocken
Bradford Heights Elementary - Downingtown
South Fayette Township Elementary - McDonald
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBen Franklin Middle School - Fargo
Wachter Middle School - Bismarck
Discovery Middle School - Fargo
Radnor Middle School - Wayne
Welsh Valley Middle School - Narberth
South Fayette Middle School - McDonald
Top 3 High SchoolsCentury High School - Bismarck
Fargo North High School - Fargo
Grand Forks Central High School - Grand Forks
Conestoga High School - Berwyn
Masterman High School - Philadelphia
Central Bucks High School-West - Doylestown
Top 3 Private High SchoolsShanley High School - Fargo
St. Mary's Central High School - Bismarck
Oak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo
The Haverford School - Haverford
The Baldwin School - Bryn Mawr
Mercersburg Academy - Mercersburg
Top 3 Private K-12 SchoolsOak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo
Shiloh Christian School - Bismarck
Trinity Christian School - Williston
The Kiski School - Saltsburg
The Agnes Irwin School - Rosemont
Friends' Central School - Wynnewood
Top 3 School DistrictsFargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
Grand Forks Public Schools
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District

How Much Do North Dakota to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 1,479 miles from North Dakota to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,041300 ft3$6.80
1 Bedroom$3,039450 ft3$6.75
2 Bedrooms$5,027750 ft3$6.70
3 Bedrooms$7,3191100 ft3$6.65
4 Bedrooms$10,5651600 ft3$6.60
5+ Bedrooms$11,7961800 ft3$6.55