North Dakota to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Updated June 20, 2025

Planning a 733 mile interstate move from North Dakota to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like frigid winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Lefse vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (ranch, modern vs craftsman, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Lefse and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
- Wisconsin housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
- Rent in Wisconsin is 22.5% more expensive than in North Dakota
- Moving from North Dakota to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended North Dakota to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers
North Dakota to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to Wisconsin
- Frigid winters
- Limited job market
- Sparse nightlife
- Geographic isolation
- Milder winters
- Diverse employment opportunities
- Vibrant social scene
- Central location
- Higher cost of living
- Urban congestion
- Higher taxes
- Lengthy traffic commutes
- Low cost of living
- Peaceful countryside
- Rich history
- Friendly communities
Pros of moving from North Dakota to Wisconsin
- Say goodbye to frigid winters and hello to milder winters
- Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Wisconsin with diverse employment opportunities
- Swap the sparse nightlife of North Dakota for a vibrant social scene in Wisconsin
- Get ready for a central location in Wisconsin
Cons of moving from North Dakota to Wisconsin
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in North Dakota to live with a higher cost of living in Wisconsin
- You'll lose out on the pro of a peaceful countryside and have to settle for the con of urban congestion
- Time to bid farewell to a rich history and get used to higher taxes in Wisconsin
- Swap friendly communities for lengthy traffic commutes
North Dakota vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Lefse | Cheese Curds |
Most popular meat dish | Walleye | Bratwurst |
Most popular street food item | Knoephla Soup | Fried Cheese Curds |
Most popular vegan food | Bison Berry Jam | Beer-Battered Mushrooms |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from North Dakota to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Knoephla Soup, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Bison Berry Jam they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beer-Battered Mushrooms of Wisconsin. 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 Prairie Rose CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Milwaukee Brat House, The Old Fashioned, and Grandpa's Cheesebarn.
When comparing lifestyles, Wisconsin shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Wisconsin compared to what you are used to in North Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Wisconsin.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and Wisconsin
Comparison | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Modern | Craftsman, Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, garage | Lakeside access, mature trees |
- The Ranch and Modern architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Wisconsin.
- Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside access and mature trees.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than North Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
- Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
- Wisconsin housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to North Dakotaβs $253,395.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
- Rent in Wisconsin is 22.5% more expensive than in North Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Dakota and Wisconsin
Comparison | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 55Β°F | 82Β°F / 60Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 24Β°F / 2Β°F | 28Β°F / 13Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 17.8" | 32.6" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 46" | 48" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Dakota to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 6% fewer sunshine days than North Dakota.
- Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower 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 snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
- The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is the same as North Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 14.8 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and Wisconsin
Comparison | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,970 | $70,996 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.3 | 95.65 |
State Income Tax | 2.9 - 5.75 | 3.54 - 7.65 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.05 | 1.68 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.94 | 5.43 |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Oil, Healthcare | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 1% less than those in North Dakota
- The COLI in Wisconsin will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
- The state income tax in WI is 3.54% to 7.65% compared to 2.9% to 5.75% in ND
- The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate in North Dakota
- The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in North Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Dakota and moderate in Wisconsin
Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. Wisconsin
Comparison | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Swing State |
Local Politics | Republican Dominance | Mixed; Democratic Urban Centers |
Religion | Christian Majority | Christian Majority with Diverse Religious Communities |
- North Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
- Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
- Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as a Christian Majority with Diverse Religious Communities
- North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian Majority
Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Wisconsin
Comparison | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of North Dakota North Dakota State University Minot State University | University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Marquette University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Freedom Elementary (West Fargo) Liberty Elementary (Bismarck) Centennial Elementary (Fargo) | Randall Consolidated School (Burlington) Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon) Swallow School (Hartland) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Ben Franklin Middle School (Fargo) Discovery Middle School (Fargo) Horizon Middle School (Bismarck) | Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa) Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove) Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Century High School (Bismarck) Fargo North High School (Fargo) Red River High School (Grand Forks) | Brookfield East High School (Brookfield) Cedarburg High School (Cedarburg) Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay) |
Top 3 private high schools | Shanley High School (Fargo) St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck) Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) | University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Marquette University High School (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) Trinity Christian School (Minot) | University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) St. John's Northwestern Academies (Delafield) |
Top 3 School Districts | West Fargo Public School District Fargo Public School District Bismarck Public School District | Mequon-Thiensville School District Elmbrook School District Whitefish Bay School District |
How Much Do North Dakota to Wisconsin Movers Cost?
Moving 733 miles from North Dakota to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,618 | 300 ft3 | $5.39 |
1 Bedroom | $2,405 | 450 ft3 | $5.34 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,970 | 750 ft3 | $5.29 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,768 | 1100 ft3 | $5.24 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,310 | 1600 ft3 | $5.19 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,258 | 1800 ft3 | $5.14 |
Top North Dakota to Wisconsin Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Dakota to Wisconsin movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.