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State-to-State Guide

Moving from California to North Dakota

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your California to North Dakota move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving California

Population39.5M
State Income Tax1%-13.3%
Avg Home Price$785,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.76%
DESTINATION

Moving to North Dakota

Population779K
State Income Tax0%-2.5%
Avg Home Price$250,000
Avg Rent$900/mo
Property Tax Rate0.98%

Why Are People Moving from California to North Dakota?

The migration corridor between California and North Dakota is a popular interstate move. Thousands of households explore this route every year.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in North Dakota is significantly lower than California, which is a major draw for relocating families. The average home price in North Dakota is $535,000 less than California, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in North Dakota average 10°F, compared to 55°F in California.

Jobs & Industry: North Dakota's key industries include Energy, Agriculture, Technology, which attract professionals from California's Technology and Entertainment sectors.

Cities in North Dakota

Other Major Cities

Bismarck
Grand Forks
Minot

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 1844 miles between California and North Dakota:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,722
3–4 BR Home
$4,213

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

CaliforniaNorth Dakota Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a North Dakota driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in North Dakota within 60 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to North Dakota after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

North Dakota vehicle inspection requirement: Not required.

Things to Know About North Dakota

  • Extremely cold winters require engine block heaters
  • Oil boom has created economic opportunities in western ND
  • One of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation

What's Different: California vs North Dakota

Taxes

California Income Tax:1%-13.3%
North Dakota Income Tax:0%-2.5%
California Property Tax:0.76%
North Dakota Property Tax:0.98%

Weather

California Summer Avg:85°F
North Dakota Summer Avg:80°F
California Winter Avg:55°F
North Dakota Winter Avg:10°F

Cost of Living

California COL Index:150
North Dakota COL Index:97
California Avg Home Price:$785,000
North Dakota Avg Home Price:$250,000
California Avg Rent:$2,200/mo
North Dakota Avg Rent:$900/mo

Ready to make the move to North Dakota?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between California and North Dakota.