Ray, ND vs White Shield, ND
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. White Shield is 22.4% cheaper than Ray. With a cost index of 64 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from White Shield to Ray should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Ray is $971/month compared to $533/month in White Shield — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: White Shield is more affordable at $200,000 median vs $211,500.
Median household income in Ray is $69,792 compared to $65,750 in White Shield (+6.1%). Ray does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ray spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 9.7% in White Shield.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (41.7°F vs 40.9°F). White Shield receives more rainfall at 17.8" per year compared to 15.1" in Ray.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)