Cost of Living in Grand Forks, ND
Population 58,882 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Grand Forks's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $63,838 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Grand Forks is about 75 miles north of Fargo, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Grand Forks
The median home value in Grand Forks is $243,300 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $958/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,838/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 50.6°F and lows of 28.9°F, with about 48.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% 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 | 16 | 21 | 34 | 52 | 67 | 76 | 81 | 80 | 70 | 54 | 36 | 21 |
| Low °F | -3 | 1 | 15 | 29 | 41 | 53 | 57 | 54 | 45 | 33 | 18 | 4 |
| Precip" | 0.49 | 0.51 | 0.91 | 1.21 | 2.80 | 3.77 | 3.52 | 2.81 | 2.26 | 1.88 | 0.92 | 0.66 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.6 | 6.6 | 12.3 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND?
Grand Forks has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Grand Forks, ND?
The median gross rent in Grand Forks is $958 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Grand Forks?
The median home value in Grand Forks is $243,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Grand Forks?
The median household income in Grand Forks is $63,838 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Grand Forks, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grand Forks is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Grand Forks, ND affordable?
Yes, Grand Forks is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks has average high temperatures of 50.6°F and average lows of 28.9°F. Annual precipitation is 21.7". Average annual snowfall is 48.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Grand Forks at a Glance
- Population
- 58,882
- Median Income
- $63,838
- Home Value
- $243,300
- Median Rent
- $958/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 50.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Dakota Rankings
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