Cost of Living in Bismarck, ND

With a cost of living index of 85, Bismarck, ND is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 15% cheaper than the national average and 11% above the North Dakota state average of 74. With a population of 74,146, Bismarck is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bismarck's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $992 (25% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $291,400 (4% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.8x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bismarck is $77,608, which is 3% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Bismarck, ND (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.