Cost of Living in Dickinson, ND

Population 25,216 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Dickinson sits at the intersection of rural North Dakota and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $76,964 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline.

Cost Overview

Housing 83

Rent 73

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dickinson

The median home value in Dickinson is $252,400 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $963/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,964/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 55.3°F and lows of 30.3°F. Overall, Dickinson has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$252,400

17% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$315,323

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$963/mo

27% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,248/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

21.8x

Favors renting

Property Tax Rate

1.1%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$754

1 BR

$761

2 BR

$928

3 BR

$1,300

4 BR

$1,558

Owner-occupied 58.3%

Renter-occupied 41.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$963

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,577/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

18.7 min

31% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

4.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

82.2%

Carpooled

10.8%

Public transit

0.1%

Walked

1.4%

Bicycle

0.1%

Work from home

4.8%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 2.5%

Total Sales Tax 6.9%

State rate 5.0%

Avg local rate 1.9%

Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$76,964

3% above avg

Per Capita Income

$39,596

Unemployment Rate

3.2%

34% below avg

Poverty Rate

11.8%

Labor Force Participation

68.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.0%

Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.3

Male median age 33.2

Female median age 33.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High

55.3°F

Avg Low

30.3°F

Annual Precip

15.6"

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	27	30	42	55	66	76	84	84	73	56	41	30
Low °F	6	9	19	28	40	49	55	53	44	31	19	10
Precip"	0.25	0.32	0.56	1.37	2.55	3.05	2.55	1.53	1.62	1.17	0.47	0.19

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

85%

4-Year Graduation Rate

15.7:1

Student-teacher ratio

Public schools

4,080

Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dickinson, ND?

Dickinson has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dickinson, ND?

The median gross rent in Dickinson is $963 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dickinson?

The median home value in Dickinson is $252,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dickinson?

The median household income in Dickinson is $76,964 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dickinson, ND?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dickinson is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.

Is Dickinson, ND affordable?

Yes, Dickinson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Dickinson?

Dickinson has average high temperatures of 55.3°F and average lows of 30.3°F. Annual precipitation is 15.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Dickinson at a Glance

Population: 25,216
Median Income: $76,964
Home Value: $252,400
Median Rent: $963/mo
Unemployment: 3.2%
Avg High Temp: 55.3°F
Sales Tax: 6.9%

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