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Washington to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 1,197 mile interstate move from Washington to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Salmon vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (craftsman, contemporary vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Grilled Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Buffalo Steaks
  • North Dakota housing costs are 57% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in North Dakota is 48.23% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Washington to North Dakota movers is Seattle Moves & More

Washington to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to North Dakota

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Rainy climate
  • High population density
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Affordable housing
  • Low congestion
  • More sunshine
  • Open spaces

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Fewer urban areas
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited tech opportunities
  • Harsh winters
Washington iconWashington
  • Vibrant cities
  • Diverse culture
  • Tech job market
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from Washington to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to North Dakota with low congestion
  • Swap the rainy climate of Washington for more sunshine in North Dakota
  • Get ready for open spaces in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Washington to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant cities in Washington to live with fewer urban areas in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to the tech job market and get used to limited tech opportunities in North Dakota
  • Swap mild winters for harsh winters

Washington vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemSalmonHotdish
Most popular meat dishGrilled SalmonBuffalo Steaks
Most popular street food itemTacosKnoephla Soup
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Mamnoon
  • The Herbfarm
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Theodore's Dining Room
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
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 Washington to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Hotdish of North Dakota. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Grilled Salmon and sumptuous Tacos, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Buffalo Steaks and Knoephla Soup to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Mamnoon, and The Herbfarm. 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, Theodore's Dining Room, and Pitchfork Steak Fondue.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and North Dakota

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ContemporaryRanch, 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 listing"Near public transit", "Eco-friendly""Spacious backyard", "Quiet neighborhood"
  • The Craftsman and Contemporary architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference 'near public transit' and 'eco-friendly', North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like 'spacious backyard' and 'quiet neighborhood'.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. North Dakota is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 57% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased 18% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 48.23% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonNorth 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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesFloods, Tornadoes
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 36Β°F23Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3818
Annual Snowfall (Inches)551
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 32% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • North Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in North Dakota.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 34 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and North Dakota

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$91,306$71,970
Cost of Living Index104.195.3
State Income Tax0%2.9% - 5.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.03%0.99%
Avg. Sales Tax9.17%6.85%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureAgriculture, Energy, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 21% less than those in Washington
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to ND, you'll now have a state income tax of 2.9% to 5.75%
  • The affluence in North Dakota is moderate compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and low in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. North Dakota

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Dakota
Political Make-upLean liberalLean conservative
Local PoliticsDemocratic dominance in urban areasRepublican dominance statewide
ReligionMixed, with a significant number of unaffiliatedLargely Christian, Protestant majority
  • Washington tends to lean liberal in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as lean conservative
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a Protestant majority
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant number of unaffiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to North Dakota

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary - Issaquah
Medina Elementary - Medina
Sunrise Elementary - Kent
Freedom Elementary - West Fargo
Liberty Elementary - Bismarck
Roosevelt Elementary - Dickinson
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School - Bellevue
Pine Lake Middle School - Sammamish
Redmond Middle School - Redmond
Ben Franklin Middle School - Fargo
Horizon Middle School - Bismarck
Discovery Middle School - Fargo
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational School - Bellevue
Newport High School - Bellevue
Tesla STEM High School - Redmond
Century High School - Bismarck
Fargo North High School - Fargo
Grand Forks Central High School - Grand Forks
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Bear Creek School - Redmond
The Overlake School - Redmond
Eastside Preparatory School - Kirkland
Shanley High School - Fargo
St. Mary's Central High School - Bismarck
Oak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School - Redmond
The Overlake School - Redmond
Seattle Academy - Seattle
Oak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo
Shiloh Christian School - Bismarck
Trinity Christian School - Williston
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Lake Washington School District
Issaquah School District
Fargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools

How Much Do Washington to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,197 miles from Washington 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,881300 ft3$6.27
1 Bedroom$2,799450 ft3$6.22
2 Bedrooms$4,628750 ft3$6.17
3 Bedrooms$6,7321100 ft3$6.12
4 Bedrooms$9,7131600 ft3$6.07
5+ Bedrooms$10,8371800 ft3$6.02

Top Washington to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to North Dakota

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
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