North Dakota has a cost of living index of 74 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $72,691 and a population of 624,606. We ranked 13 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in North Dakota.
West Fargo is 11% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $96,877 and a population of 39,325.
Bismarck is 15% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $77,608 and a population of 74,146.
Williston is 14% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $84,309 and a population of 27,964.
Minot is 20% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $77,431 and a population of 47,922.
Dickinson is 19% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $76,964 and a population of 25,216.
Mandan is 17% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $75,966 and a population of 24,293.
Fargo is 19% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $66,029 and a population of 129,064.
Grand Forks is 21% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $63,838 and a population of 58,882.
Watford City is 1% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $88,351 and a population of 6,016.
Wahpeton is 33% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $57,417 and a population of 7,996.
Valley City is 33% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $56,471 and a population of 6,554.
Jamestown is 31% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $54,809 and a population of 15,774.
Devils Lake is 34% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $42,755 and a population of 7,170.
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.