Cost of Living in Minot, ND
Population 47,922 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Minot cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $254,000, rents near $928 a month.
Located 230 miles west of Fargo, Minot is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Fargo's $270,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Minot
The median home value in Minot is $254,400 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $928/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,431/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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 54.7°F and lows of 32.1°F, with about 45.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Minot has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% 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 | 27 | 40 | 56 | 69 | 78 | 84 | 84 | 73 | 57 | 40 | 27 |
| Low °F | 4 | 8 | 19 | 31 | 43 | 54 | 59 | 56 | 47 | 34 | 21 | 9 |
| Precip" | 0.28 | 0.29 | 0.51 | 1.00 | 2.73 | 3.73 | 2.50 | 2.08 | 1.57 | 1.15 | 0.56 | 0.31 |
| Snow" | 9.8 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 4.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.2 | 9.2 | 8.1 |
💨 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 Minot, ND?
Minot has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Minot, ND?
The median gross rent in Minot is $928 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Minot?
The median home value in Minot is $254,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Minot?
The median household income in Minot is $77,431 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Minot, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Minot is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Minot, ND affordable?
Yes, Minot is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Minot?
Minot has average high temperatures of 54.7°F and average lows of 32.1°F. Annual precipitation is 16.7". Average annual snowfall is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Minot at a Glance
- Population
- 47,922
- Median Income
- $77,431
- Home Value
- $254,400
- Median Rent
- $928/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Dakota Rankings
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