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Wisconsin to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 733 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Knoephla Soup), real estate & housing (cape cod, ranch vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Knoephla Soup & Bison Burger
  • North Dakota housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in North Dakota is 18.37% more affordable than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to North Dakota movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Higher taxes
  • Dense population
  • Winter intensity
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Lower taxes
  • More open spaces
  • Milder winters
  • Affordable living costs
  • Lesser traffic

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Quiet town vibe
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Fewer water bodies
  • Extreme winters
  • Lack of major teams
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Vibrant city life
  • Rich cultural sights
  • Abundant lakes
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Pro sports teams

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from a dense population and moving to North Dakota with more open spaces
  • Swap the winter intensity of Wisconsin for milder winters in North Dakota
  • Get ready for affordable living costs in North Dakota

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant city life in Wisconsin to live with a quiet town vibe in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural sights and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural venues
  • Time to bid farewell to abundant lakes and get used to fewer water bodies in North Dakota
  • Swap four distinct seasons for extreme winters

Wisconsin vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsKnoephla Soup
Most popular meat dishBratwurstBison Burger
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsFleischkuekle
Most popular vegan foodBeer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version)Lentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mader's
  • Culver's
  • Kroll's Diner
  • Pit 109
  • Meats by John & Wayne
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 Wisconsin to North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Knoephla Soup of North Dakota. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Burger and Fleischkuekle to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Beer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version) 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 Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and Culver's. 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, Pit 109, and Meats by John & Wayne.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and North Dakota

ComparisonWisconsinNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, 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 listingLakefront access, Spacious yardsEnergy efficiency, Spacious yards
  • The Cape Cod and Ranch architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakefront access and spacious yards, North Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. North Dakota is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. North Dakota is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased 18% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 18.37% more affordable than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinNorth 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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesBlizzards, Flooding
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F23Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3217
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4851
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 7% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • North Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and flooding in North Dakota.
  • The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows in North Dakota are 11 degrees colder than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 15 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and North Dakota

ComparisonWisconsinNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$70,996$71,970
Cost of Living Index95.6595.3
State Income Tax3.54% - 7.65%1.10% - 2.90%
Avg. Property Tax1.73%1.05%
Avg. Sales Tax5.44%6.94%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareEnergy, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowLow
HomelessnessManageableManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 1% more than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in North Dakota will be 0% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in ND is 1.10% - 2.90% compared to 3.54% - 7.65% in WI
  • The affluence in North Dakota is moderate compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is low in North Dakota compared to low in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Wisconsin and manageable in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. North Dakota

ComparisonWisconsinNorth Dakota
Political Make-upSwing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican influenceStrongly Republican, especially in statewide and federal elections
Local PoliticsVaries widely between urban (more Democratic) and rural (more Republican) areasLargely Republican, with local politics focusing on agriculture, energy, and economic development
ReligionChristianity is dominant, with a significant presence of Catholic and Lutheran denominationsChristianity is dominant, with a higher concentration of Lutherans due to Scandinavian heritage
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a swing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican influence in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican, especially in statewide and federal elections
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as Christianity being dominant, with a higher concentration of Lutherans due to Scandinavian heritage
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being dominant, with a significant presence of Catholic and Lutheran denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to North Dakota

ComparisonWisconsinNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwan School (Madison)
Park Elementary (Cross Plains)
Elm Lawn Elementary (Middleton)
Liberty Elementary (Bismarck)
Discovery Elementary (Fargo)
Freedom Elementary (West Fargo)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsKromrey Middle (Middleton)
Glacier Creek Middle (Cross Plains)
Templeton Middle (Sussex)
Ben Franklin Middle (Fargo)
Horizon Middle (Bismarck)
Wachter Middle (Bismarck)
Top 3 High School SchoolsMadison West High (Madison)
Middleton High (Middleton)
Brookfield East High (Brookfield)
Century High (Bismarck)
Davies High (Fargo)
Legacy High (Bismarck)
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Shanley High School (Fargo)
St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity Lake School (Hartland)
Prairie Hill Waldorf School (Pewaukee)
The Prairie School (Racine)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
Trinity Christian School (Williston)
Top 3 School DistrictsMiddleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Elmbrook School District
Waunakee Community School District
Bismarck Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools
Fargo Public Schools

How Much Do Wisconsin to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 733 miles from Wisconsin to North Dakota 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,618300 ft3$5.39
1 Bedroom$2,405450 ft3$5.34
2 Bedrooms$3,970750 ft3$5.29
3 Bedrooms$5,7681100 ft3$5.24
4 Bedrooms$8,3101600 ft3$5.19
5+ Bedrooms$9,2581800 ft3$5.14

Top Wisconsin to North Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to North Dakota

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
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