Rebecca Sabot
Real Estate Agent
© Rebecca Sabot

If you’re relocating to Bismarck or Mandan, one of the first “real life” expenses you’ll notice is vehicle registration. And here’s the honest truth: North Dakota vehicle registration fees are significantly lower than many other states — especially Minnesota.

Every year at renewal time I am reminded of this personally. After years of paying Minnesota registration fees, I am always shocked at how LOW the fees are in North Dakota!! Hundreds of dollars less. Same vehicle type. Same basic use. Very different bill.

For many families moving to North Dakota, this is an unexpected but welcome cost-of-living win.

HOW NORTH DAKOTA VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES WORK

North Dakota registration fees are based primarily on:

• Vehicle type
• Vehicle age
• Weight class

Unlike some states, North Dakota does not base annual registration on vehicle value once it’s titled. There is no annual excise tax tied to depreciation the way Minnesota structures its system.

In Minnesota, vehicle registration includes an ad valorem tax — meaning it’s partially based on the vehicle’s original MSRP and decreases gradually over time. That structure can make newer vehicles especially expensive to register.

In North Dakota, once you pay your initial 5% motor vehicle excise tax at purchase, your annual registration is much more predictable and typically lower.

For many vehicles, annual registration in North Dakota ranges from roughly $50–$150 depending on age and weight. In Minnesota, it’s not uncommon to see $300–$600+ annually on newer vehicles.

That difference adds up quickly — especially for households with multiple cars, trucks, or teen drivers.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR COST OF LIVING IN BISMARCK & MANDAN

When buyers compare cost of living between states, they often focus on property taxes or home prices. But recurring expenses like vehicle registration, insurance, and income tax matter just as much.

North Dakota consistently ranks as a lower cost-of-living state compared to Minnesota. Combined with:

• Lower vehicle registration fees
• Competitive property taxes
• No vehicle emissions testing requirements in most areas
• Generally lower housing prices per square foot in Bismarck-Mandan compared to Minneapolis–St. Paul

The financial difference becomes noticeable quickly.

For relocation buyers moving to Bismarck, these everyday savings often offset moving costs faster than expected.

RELOCATION TIP: DON’T FORGET THESE TRANSFER COSTS

If you’re moving to North Dakota, remember you’ll need to:

• Title and register your vehicle within 60 days
• Transfer your driver’s license
• Update insurance to meet North Dakota requirements

The good news? The process is straightforward. The better news? The bill likely won’t sting the way it did in your previous state.

I say that from experience.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lower vehicle registration fees aren’t the only reason people relocate to Bismarck and Mandan — but they’re part of a larger pattern. North Dakota offers practical affordability. Not flashy. Not complicated. Just financially sensible.

And when you stack up housing affordability, property taxes, insurance rates, and everyday expenses, it’s easy to see why many Minnesota families are making the move west.

If you’re considering relocating to Bismarck or Mandan, I’m happy to walk you through what the full cost picture looks like — not just home prices, but the real numbers that affect your monthly budget.

Rebecca Sabot
Real Estate Agent
© Rebecca Sabot