Bismarck, ND vs West Fargo, ND

Bismarck, ND and West Fargo, ND have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.8% difference in their overall index. Bismarck scores 85 while West Fargo scores 89 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 $992/month compared to $1,075/month in West Fargo — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bismarck is more affordable at $291,400 median vs $302,200.

Median household income in Bismarck is $77,608 compared to $96,877 in West Fargo (-19.9%). While West Fargo 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 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 13.3% in West Fargo.