Movers

Ohio to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,186 mile interstate move from Ohio to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs drier climate), food & health (like Cincinnati Chili vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cincinnati Chili and Polish Boy, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Steak
  • North Dakota housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in North Dakota is 29.49% more affordable than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Ohio to North Dakota movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Ohio to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to North Dakota

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • High humidity
  • Dense population
  • Heavy traffic
  • Cost of living
  • Frequent rain
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Drier climate
  • Spacious landscapes
  • Less congestion
  • Affordability
  • Less rainfall

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Limited cultural scene
  • Fewer sports events
  • Developing infrastructure
  • Limited dining options
  • Harsh winters
Ohio iconOhio
  • Diverse culture
  • Major sports teams
  • Mature infrastructure
  • Variety of cuisines
  • Moderate winters

Pros of moving from Ohio to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a drier climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a dense population and moving to North Dakota with spacious landscapes
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Ohio for less congestion in North Dakota
  • Get ready for affordability in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Ohio to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse culture in Ohio to live with a limited cultural scene in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of major sports teams and have to settle for the con of fewer sports events
  • Time to bid farewell to mature infrastructure and get used to developing infrastructure in North Dakota
  • Swap a variety of cuisines for limited dining options

Ohio vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemCincinnati ChiliKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishPolish BoyBison Steak
Most popular street food itemBuckeye CandiesFleischkuekle
Most popular vegan foodVegan ChiliLentil Dish
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slyman's
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
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 Ohio to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Cincinnati Chili of Ohio for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Polish Boy and sumptuous Buckeye Candies, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Dish of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Slyman's, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Kroll's Diner, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and HoDo Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and North Dakota

ComparisonOhioNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchRanch, Split-level
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, open spaces
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to schools, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than Ohio.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased 18% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 29.49% more affordable than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioNorth Dakota
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 DisastersStorms, FloodingBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F / 63Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36Β°F / 23Β°F24Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3917
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2851
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 14% more sunshine days than Ohio.
  • North Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible storms and flooding in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
  • The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 1 degree colder than in Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 21 degrees colder than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and North Dakota

ComparisonOhioNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$65,720$71,970
Cost of Living Index92.8595.3
State Income Tax2.85% - 4.80%1.10% - 2.90%
Avg. Property Tax1.57%1.05%
Avg. Sales Tax5.75%5.00%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, EducationEnergy, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessVisibleMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 10% more than those in Ohio
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • The state income tax in ND is 1.10% - 2.90% compared to 2.85% - 4.80% in OH
  • The affluence in North Dakota is high compared to moderate in Ohio
  • The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to moderate in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Ohio and minimal in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. North Dakota

ComparisonOhioNorth Dakota
Political Make-upPurple state, swings between Republican and DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal and rural conservative viewsRural, conservative views predominant
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious communitiesPrimarily Christian, particularly Protestant
  • Ohio tends to lean purple in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, particularly Protestant
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to North Dakota

ComparisonOhioNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Ohio University
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOttawa Hills Elementary
Ottawa Hills
Indian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati
Granville Elementary
Granville
Freedom Elementary
West Fargo
Liberty Elementary
Bismarck
Prairie Rose Elementary
Dickinson
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley
Granville Middle School
Granville
Hudson Middle School
Hudson
Ben Franklin Middle School
Fargo
Horizon Middle School
Bismarck
Sims Middle School
Dickinson
Top 3 High School SchoolsBexley High
Bexley
Ottawa Hills High
Ottawa Hills
Hudson High
Hudson
Century High
Bismarck
Fargo North High
Fargo
West Fargo High
West Fargo
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills
University School
Hunting Valley
The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Shanley High School
Fargo
St. Mary's Central High School
Bismarck
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Columbus Academy
Gahanna
Hawken School
Gates Mills
Western Reserve Academy
Hudson
Shiloh Christian School
Bismarck
Dakota Adventist Academy
Bismarck
Trinity Christian School
Williston
Top 3 School DistrictsIndian Hill Exempted Village School District
Cincinnati
Ottawa Hills Local School District
Ottawa Hills
Granville Exempted Village School District
Granville
West Fargo Public Schools
West Fargo
Bismarck Public Schools
Bismarck
Fargo Public Schools
Fargo

How Much Do Ohio to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,186 miles from Ohio to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,875300 ft3$6.25
1 Bedroom$2,790450 ft3$6.20
2 Bedrooms$4,612750 ft3$6.15
3 Bedrooms$6,7091100 ft3$6.10
4 Bedrooms$9,6791600 ft3$6.05
5+ Bedrooms$10,7991800 ft3$6.00

Top Ohio to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Ohio to North Dakota

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Eyring Movers featured image

Eyring Movers

9.53/10
ExceptionalView details

Columbus to North Dakota

Cleveland to North Dakota

Cincinnati to North Dakota

Toledo to North Dakota

Akron to North Dakota