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Pennsylvania to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 1,479 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (colonial, dutch vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pittsburgh-style steak, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison steak
  • North Dakota housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in North Dakota is 31.22% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to North Dakota movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to North Dakota

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Humid summers
  • Lack of open space
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Dryer summers
  • Vast landscapes

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Fewer dining options
  • Less diversity
  • More rural areas
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Varied cuisine
  • Diverse culture
  • Major cities

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to North Dakota with less traffic congestion
  • Swap the humid summers of Pennsylvania for drier summers in North Dakota
  • Get ready for vast landscapes in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of varied cuisine and have to settle for the con of fewer dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to the diverse culture and get used to less diversity in North Dakota
  • Swap major cities for more rural areas

Pennsylvania vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishPittsburgh-style steakBison steak
Most popular street food itemPretzelsFrybread Tacos
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakLentil Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
  • HoDo Restaurant
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • Kroll's Diner
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 Pennsylvania to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh-style steak and sumptuous Pretzels, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison steak and Frybread Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burgers of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Zahav, and Primanti Bros. After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like HoDo Restaurant, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and Kroll's Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and North Dakota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, DutchRanch, 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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsEnergy efficiency, Open concept
  • The Colonial and Dutch architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open concept layouts.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased 18% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 31.22% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth 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 DisastersFloods, SnowstormsBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 62Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 21Β°F24Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4217
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3852
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 12% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • North Dakota has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
  • The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 3 degrees colder than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 19 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 25 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and North Dakota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$71,798$71,970
Cost of Living Index99.795.3
State Income Tax3.07%2.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%0.99%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%6.85%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationAgriculture, Energy, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateStable
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessSignificantLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 0% more than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in ND is 2.9% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in North Dakota is stable compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Dakota compared to high in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Pennsylvania and low in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. North Dakota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Dakota
Political Make-upModerately liberal, swing stateConservative stronghold
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban vs. rural divideCommunity-focused, less diverse
ReligionChristian majority, with significant Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish populationsChristian majority, predominantly Protestant, smaller Catholic presence
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as a conservative stronghold
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority, predominantly Protestant with a smaller Catholic presence
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with significant Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish populations

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to North Dakota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
2. Pennsylvania State University
State College
3. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh
1. North Dakota State University
Fargo
2. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks
3. Minot State University
Minot
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Whitemarsh Elementary
Lafayette Hill
2. Pine Road Elementary
Huntingdon Valley
3. Bradford Woods Elementary
Bradfordwoods
1. Freedom Elementary
West Fargo
2. Centennial Elementary
Fargo
3. Longfellow Elementary
Fargo
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Radnor Middle School
Radnor
2. Haverford Middle School
Havertown
3. Welsh Valley Middle School
Narberth
1. Ben Franklin Middle School
Fargo
2. Simle Middle School
Bismarck
3. Discovery Middle School
Grand Forks
Top 3 High Schools1. Conestoga High School
Berwyn
2. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia
3. Radnor High School
Radnor
1. Fargo North High School
Fargo
2. Bismarck High School
Bismarck
3. Central High School
Grand Forks
Top 3 private high schools1. The Haverford School
Haverford
2. Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia
3. Malvern Preparatory School
Malvern
1. Shanley High School
Fargo
2. Saint Mary's Central High School
Bismarck
3. Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
Top 3 private K-12 schools1. The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
2. Friends' Central School
Wynnewood
3. The Shipley School
Bryn Mawr
1. Oak Grove Lutheran School
Fargo
2. Shiloh Christian School
Bismarck
3. Trinity Christian School
Williston
Top 3 School Districts1. Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Berwyn
2. Radnor Township School District
Radnor
3. Lower Merion School District
Ardmore
1. Fargo Public Schools
Fargo
2. Bismarck Public Schools
Bismarck
3. Grand Forks Public Schools
Grand Forks

How Much Do Pennsylvania to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,479 miles from Pennsylvania to North Dakota 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

Top Pennsylvania to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to North Dakota

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

Philadelphia to North Dakota

Pittsburgh to North Dakota