Cost of Living in Bismarck, ND
Population 74,146 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Bismarck's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $77,608 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Bismarck lies roughly 185 miles west of the nearest major metro, Fargo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bismarck
The median home value in Bismarck is $291,400 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $992/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,608/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Dakota's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 55.1°F and lows of 31.1°F, with about 50.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bismarck has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 23 | 28 | 41 | 56 | 68 | 78 | 85 | 84 | 73 | 57 | 41 | 28 |
| Low °F | 2 | 7 | 19 | 30 | 42 | 53 | 58 | 56 | 46 | 33 | 19 | 8 |
| Precip" | 0.48 | 0.52 | 0.84 | 1.34 | 2.50 | 3.36 | 3.07 | 2.50 | 1.72 | 1.43 | 0.69 | 0.60 |
| Snow" | 8.9 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 4.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 | 8.0 | 10.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND?
Bismarck has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bismarck, ND?
The median gross rent in Bismarck is $992 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bismarck?
The median home value in Bismarck is $291,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bismarck?
The median household income in Bismarck is $77,608 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bismarck, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bismarck is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Bismarck, ND affordable?
Yes, Bismarck is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bismarck?
Bismarck has average high temperatures of 55.1°F and average lows of 31.1°F. Annual precipitation is 19.1". Average annual snowfall is 50.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bismarck at a Glance
- Population
- 74,146
- Median Income
- $77,608
- Home Value
- $291,400
- Median Rent
- $992/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Dakota Rankings
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