Moving from New Jersey to North Dakota
Moving from New Jersey to North Dakota covers about 1,716 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistNJ vs ND at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Lower cost of living
North Dakota is about 24% cheaper than New Jersey overall, so your budget should stretch noticeably further — especially on housing.
Lower income tax
North Dakota's top income tax rate (~2.5%) is lower than New Jersey's (~10.75%), leaving a little more in each paycheck.
Lower property taxes
North Dakota's effective property tax rate (0.92%) is lower than New Jersey's (1.88%) — a plus if you're buying a home.
Colder winters ahead
North Dakota averages 13°F cooler than New Jersey. Pack cold-weather clothing and expect higher heating bills through the winter.
Much drier climate
North Dakota is far drier than New Jersey — roughly 30" less precipitation a year. Expect to adjust to lower humidity and drier air.
Before You Leave New Jersey
File Form NJ-1040 as a part-year resident
New Jersey has no separate part-year form. File Form NJ-1040 and enter the dates of your residency. Report only the income you received while you lived here. File if your income for the whole year was over $10,000. The limit is $20,000 for joint or head of household filers. If you get New Jersey income after you move, also file Form NJ-1040NR.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, Part-Year ResidentsSurrender your New Jersey plates and keep the receipt
Surrender New Jersey plates you no longer use. For a move, do this after you register the vehicle in your new state. Bring the plates to any MVC agency, or use the drop box outside. You can also mail them to an agency with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MVC mails you a receipt. Keep it in case MVC links charges to the plates later.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, PlatesExpect a suspension notice if you cancel insurance first
Insurers tell MVC when you drop a policy on a New Jersey vehicle. MVC can then send a suspension notice. To resolve it, send MVC your plate surrender receipt. You can also send proof that the vehicle is registered in another state.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Uninsured Motorist Enforcement FAQsPlan for the 2% estimated tax if you sell your home after you move
A nonresident who sells New Jersey real property must make an estimated income tax payment at or before closing. The payment is at least 2% of the sale price, even if you have no gain. A home that meets the federal principal residence rules (26 U.S.C. 121) can qualify for an exemption on Form GIT/REP-3.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, TB-57(R) Nonresident Sales of Real PropertyPay any MVC insurance surcharges you still owe
Moving out of state does not cancel MVC insurance surcharges. You still owe surcharges for offenses from when you drove as a New Jersey motorist.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Frequently Asked QuestionsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 1,716 miles (~31 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the North Dakota DMV, register to vote in ND, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
New Jersey
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
North Dakota
Humid continental with very cold winters and warm summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
New Jersey
North Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from New Jersey to North Dakota?
The driving distance from New Jersey to North Dakota is approximately 1,716 miles — about 31 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to North Dakota?
A professional interstate move from New Jersey to North Dakota typically costs between $4,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between New Jersey and North Dakota?
New Jersey has a cost of living index of 118.8 versus 90.7 for North Dakota (US average = 100).
- Overall, North Dakota is about 24% lower than New Jersey.
How do property taxes compare between New Jersey and North Dakota?
New Jersey's effective property tax rate is about 1.88%, versus 0.92% in North Dakota.
- On a typical home that difference lowers your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to North Dakota?
After establishing residency in North Dakota, you have 60 days to update your driver's license at a North Dakota DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the North Dakota DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in North Dakota?
North Dakota has humid continental with very cold winters and warm summers.
- The annual average temperature is 40°F, with about 17 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $118.