Moving to North Dakota: costs, checklist and what to know
North Dakota at a glance for movers: Midwest region · largest city Fargo · capital Bismarck · Central (the southwest is on Mountain) time.
Quick facts for moving to North Dakota
- Income tax: North Dakota taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for the current year.
- Sales tax: North Dakota's statewide sales tax rate is 5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a North Dakota driver's license within 60 days, according to the North Dakota DOT. Commercial drivers have a shorter, 30-day deadline.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Fargo (about 680 road miles) runs roughly $1,090–$2,100 with a rental truck or $2,490–$5,750 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to North Dakota
- Fargo is the largest city and sits on the Red River across from Moorhead, Minnesota; Bismarck is the capital.
- Winters are long and severe, with strong winds and blowing snow that can close interstates.
- Most of the state is on Central time; the southwest corner is on Mountain time.
Main cities and metros include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot. North Dakota borders Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana.
How much does it cost to move to North Dakota?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Fargo, the largest city in North Dakota. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,450 | $2,190–$4,160 | $3,720–$8,520 |
| Los Angeles | 1,710 | $2,460–$4,650 | $4,140–$9,460 |
| Chicago | 680 | $1,090–$2,100 | $2,490–$5,750 |
| Dallas | 1,170 | $1,750–$3,330 | $3,270–$7,510 |
| Atlanta | 1,340 | $1,930–$3,650 | $3,540–$8,120 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of North Dakota moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to North Dakota
June through September.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
North Dakota new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to North Dakota: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to North Dakota?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 680 miles from Chicago to Fargo costs roughly $1,090–$2,100 if you rent a truck or $2,490–$5,750 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does North Dakota have a state income tax?
Yes. North Dakota taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for the current year.
What is the sales tax in North Dakota?
North Dakota's statewide sales tax rate is 5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a North Dakota driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the North Dakota DOT. Commercial drivers have a shorter, 30-day deadline. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to North Dakota?
June through September.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner and the North Dakota DOT, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.