Cost of Living in Bismarck, North Dakota (2026)
COL Index
87
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,150
per month
Median HHI
$60K
per year
State Tax
2.5%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Bismarck |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $900 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,150 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,500 |
| Median home price | $260K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 97 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/moCompare rates → | $140 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $152 |
| Internet/mo | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $60K |
| State income tax rate | 2.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.8% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87 |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 |
Is Bismarck affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,645/mo take-home
43% rent burden · Tight
$50K
~$3,056/mo take-home
38% rent burden · Tight
$60K
~$3,668/mo take-home
31% rent burden · Manageable
$75K
~$4,584/mo take-home
25% rent burden · Comfortable
$80K
~$4,890/mo take-home
24% rent burden · Comfortable
$100K
~$6,113/mo take-home
19% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$6,905/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,631/mo take-home
13% rent burden · Very comfortable
Bismarck costs less than the US average. Put the difference to work.
Top high-yield savings accounts are paying 4.5%+ right now.
Too expensive? Find cheaper alternatives.
See cities with a lower cost of living than Bismarck.
Compare Bismarck with other cities
Bismarck vs New YorkCompare →Bismarck vs Los AngelesCompare →Bismarck vs ChicagoCompare →Bismarck vs HoustonCompare →Save your comparisonsCreate free account →
Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only