Cost of Living in Wahpeton, ND

Population 7,996 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wahpeton is a smaller North Dakota community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $57,417 and housing costs ($165,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Wahpeton is about 40 miles south of Fargo, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Fargo's $270,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 54
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in Wahpeton

The median home value in Wahpeton is $164,600 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $753/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,417/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, 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%. Overall, Wahpeton has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$164,600
46% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$224,642
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$753/mo
43% below avg
Zillow Rent
$838/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.2x
Favors buying
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 48.1%
Renter-occupied 51.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$753
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,367/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
17.9 min
34% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.2%
Carpooled
6.3%
Walked
6.3%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
6.7%

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
$57,417
23% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,164
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
67% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Labor Force Participation
64.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.7%
Graduate degree 5.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.8
Male median age 32.4
Female median age 37.2

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,358
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wahpeton, ND?

Wahpeton has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wahpeton, ND?

The median gross rent in Wahpeton is $753 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wahpeton?

The median home value in Wahpeton is $164,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wahpeton?

The median household income in Wahpeton is $57,417 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wahpeton, ND?

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

Is Wahpeton, ND affordable?

Yes, Wahpeton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

Wahpeton at a Glance

Population
7,996
Median Income
$57,417
Home Value
$164,600
Median Rent
$753/mo
Unemployment
1.6%
Sales Tax
6.9%
View all cities in North Dakota →
🗺️ County data for North Dakota

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs