Rhode Island to North Dakota Moving Guide
Updated June 7, 2025

Planning a 1,822 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Clam Cakes vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Clam Cakes and Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs), but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Burgers
- North Dakota housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
- Rent in North Dakota is 50.97% more affordable than in Rhode Island
- Moving from Rhode Island to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
- Our top recommended Rhode Island to North Dakota movers is Two Men and a Truck
Rhode Island to North Dakota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to North Dakota
- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Hurricane risk
- Limited space
- Affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Stable weather
- Open landscapes
- No ocean access
- Harsh winters
- Fewer historical sites
- Less diversity
- Coastal beaches
- Mild winters
- Historical sites
- Cultural diversity
Pros of moving from Rhode Island to North Dakota
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to North Dakota with less traffic
- Swap the hurricane risk of Rhode Island for stable weather in North Dakota
- Get ready for open landscapes in North Dakota
Cons of moving from Rhode Island to North Dakota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the coastal beaches in Rhode Island to live with no ocean access in North Dakota
- You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
- Time to bid farewell to historical sites and get used to fewer historical sites in North Dakota
- Swap cultural diversity for less diversity
Rhode Island vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Cakes | Knoephla Soup |
Most popular meat dish | Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs) | Bison Burgers |
Most popular street food item | Hot Wieners | Fleischkuekle |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Calamari | Lentil Burgers |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | 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 Rhode Island to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Clam Cakes of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs) and sumptuous Hot Wieners, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Calamari 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 Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Los Andes, and Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House. 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, Mezzaluna, and HoDo Lounge.
When comparing lifestyles, North Dakota shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Rhode Island. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Dakota compared to what you are used to in Rhode Island. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in North Dakota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and North Dakota
Comparison | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Ranch, Split-level |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean views, historic charm | Spacious yards, quiet neighborhoods |
- The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
- Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and historic charm, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Dakota is less walkable than Rhode Island.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
- North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
- North Dakota housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Rhode Islandβs $451,868.
- Over the prior five years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
- Rent in North Dakota is 50.97% more affordable than in Rhode Island.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Rhode Island and North Dakota
Comparison | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
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 | Hurricanes, Blizzards | Blizzards, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Very Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 63Β°F | 84Β°F / 57Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 40Β°F / 20Β°F | 24Β°F / 2Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47 | 17 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 34 | 51 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 0% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
- North Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in North Dakota.
- The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 2 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
- The average winter lows are 18 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 30 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and North Dakota
Comparison | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $81,854 | $71,970 |
Cost of Living Index | 123.3 | 95.3 |
State Income Tax | 3.75% - 5.99% | 1.1% - 2.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.63% | 0.99% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Tourism | Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Average |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 12% less than those in Rhode Island
- The COLI in North Dakota will be 23% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
- The state income tax in ND is 1.1% - 2.9% compared to 3.75% - 5.99% in RI
- The affluence in North Dakota is average compared to moderate in Rhode Island
- The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to moderate in Rhode Island
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Rhode Island and low in North Dakota
Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. North Dakota
Comparison | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratic | Republican |
Local Politics | Liberal Policies | Conservative Policies |
Religion | Catholic Majority | Protestant Majority |
- Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
- North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
- North Dakota's religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority
- Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Catholic majority
Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to North Dakota
Comparison | Rhode Island | North Dakota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | 1. University of Rhode Island 2. Rhode Island College 3. Brown University | 1. North Dakota State University 2. University of North Dakota 3. Minot State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | 1. Hamilton Elementary (North Kingstown) 2. Nayatt School (Barrington) 3. Rockwell School (Bristol) | 1. Freedom Elementary (West Fargo) 2. Liberty Elementary (Bismarck) 3. South Elementary (West Fargo) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | 1. Barrington Middle (Barrington) 2. Wickford Middle (North Kingstown) 3. Portsmouth Middle (Portsmouth) | 1. Ben Franklin Middle (Fargo) 2. Discovery Middle (Fargo) 3. Horizon Middle (Bismarck) |
Top 3 High Schools | 1. Classical High School (Providence) 2. Barrington High School (Barrington) 3. East Greenwich High (East Greenwich) | 1. Century High School (Bismarck) 2. Fargo North High (Fargo) 3. Red River High (Grand Forks) |
Top 3 private high schools | 1. St. George's School (Middletown) 2. The Wheeler School (Providence) 3. Moses Brown School (Providence) | 1. Shanley High School (Fargo) 2. St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck) 3. Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | 1. The Wheeler School (Providence) 2. Moses Brown School (Providence) 3. Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich) | 1. Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) 2. Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) 3. Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck) |
Top 3 School Districts | 1. Barrington Public Schools 2. East Greenwich Public Schools 3. North Kingstown School District | 1. Fargo Public Schools 2. Bismarck Public Schools 3. West Fargo Public Schools |
How Much Do Rhode Island to North Dakota Movers Cost?
Moving 1,822 miles from Rhode Island to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: G Metz Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,235 | 300 ft3 | $7.45 |
1 Bedroom | $3,331 | 450 ft3 | $7.40 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,514 | 750 ft3 | $7.35 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,032 | 1100 ft3 | $7.30 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,602 | 1600 ft3 | $7.25 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,963 | 1800 ft3 | $7.20 |
Top Rhode Island to North Dakota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Rhode Island to North Dakota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Two Men and a Truck
Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to North Dakota