Bismarck, MO vs California, MO

Bismarck, MO and California, MO have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Bismarck scores 62 while California scores 64 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bismarck is $683/month compared to $773/month in California — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bismarck is more affordable at $108,000 median vs $123,700.

Median household income in Bismarck is $41,550 compared to $60,506 in California (-31.3%). While California is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bismarck spend roughly 19.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in California.