| Index | Bismarck | North Dakota | National |
| Cost of living | 106 | 95 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 124 | 86 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 98 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Bismarck can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Bismarck cost of living index is 106, which is 6% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Bismarck is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Bismarck cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 24.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 20 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Bismarck and this is how they responded. 75% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 25% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Wondering if Bismarck is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Bismarck, for example, the median home price is 38.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 8.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bismarck boasting a median household income of $102,112, which is 25.5% higher than the national average.
Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Bismarck, the groceries index is 2.1% lower than the national average.
Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Bismarck, the housing index comes in at 24.4% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Bismarck, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5%, and the income tax rates commence at 1.1%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Bismarck are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $129,547 | $10,796 | $3,023 | $3,887 |
| Renters | $61,195 | $5,100 | $1,428 | $1,836 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| North Dakota | 5% | 8% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| North Dakota | 1.1% | 2.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Mandan, ND | 23,353 | 103 | 2.8% |
| Menoken, ND | 63 | 104 | 4.4% |
| Lincoln, ND | 4,225 | 106 | 5.7% |
| Harmon, ND | 236 | 141 | 41.2% |
| Bismarck, ND | 75,566 | 106 | 5.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Evanston, IL | 75,477 | 131 | 31.4% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 75,433 | 126 | 25.9% |
| Ellicott City, MD | 75,837 | 155 | 55.4% |
| South Jordan, UT | 75,278 | 136 | 36.0% |
| Apple Valley, CA | 75,217 | 123 | 22.8% |
| Bismarck, ND | 75,566 | 106 | 5.6% |
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