Cost of Living in Valley City, ND
Population 6,554 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Valley City sits on the smaller end of the North Dakota city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Valley City is about 55 miles west of Fargo, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Valley City
The median home value in Valley City is $152,800 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $782/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,471/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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 52.0°F and lows of 30.6°F. Overall, Valley City has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Valley City is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 19 | 24 | 37 | 53 | 67 | 76 | 81 | 80 | 71 | 55 | 38 | 24 |
| Low °F | 1 | 5 | 17 | 30 | 43 | 54 | 58 | 55 | 46 | 33 | 19 | 7 |
| Precip" | 0.31 | 0.37 | 0.69 | 1.24 | 3.26 | 3.37 | 3.58 | 2.42 | 2.06 | 1.67 | 0.53 | 0.34 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Valley City, ND?
Valley City has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Valley City, ND?
The median gross rent in Valley City is $782 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Valley City?
The median home value in Valley City is $152,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Valley City?
The median household income in Valley City is $56,471 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Valley City, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Valley City is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Valley City, ND affordable?
Yes, Valley City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Valley City?
Valley City has average high temperatures of 52.0°F and average lows of 30.6°F. Annual precipitation is 19.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Valley City at a Glance
- Population
- 6,554
- Median Income
- $56,471
- Home Value
- $152,800
- Median Rent
- $782/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Dakota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs