A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Jamestown North Dakota National
Cost of living9395100
Groceries10199100
Health care10099100
Housing7986100
Transportation9598100
Utilities104104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10197100
Household Items9799100
Education & Childcare10098100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jamestown, ND

Knowing the cost of living in Jamestown allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Jamestown stands at 93, marking it 7% lower than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Jamestown are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Jamestown can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Jamestown Affordable?

Is Jamestown an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Jamestown is 18.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 27.3% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Jamestown has a median household income of $74,186, which is 8.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jamestown?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Jamestown, the groceries index registers 1.4% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Jamestown shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jamestown is 2% lower than the North Dakota average
  • The cost of living in Jamestown is 7% lower than the national average
  • Jamestown housing is 21% lower than the national average
  • North Dakota general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • North Dakota state income tax is 58% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Jamestown

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Compare Jamestown, ND Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$101,756$8,480$2,374$3,053
      Renters$47,870$3,989$1,117$1,436
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Jamestown is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Jamestown has a median income of about $101,756 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,374 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $47,870. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,117 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      North Dakota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Dakota 5% 8%

      North Dakota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Dakota 1.1% 2.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ypsilanti, ND301000.3%
      Spiritwood, ND01000.3%
      Spiritwood Lake, ND1481000.3%
      Montpelier, ND887821.7%
      Buchanan, ND55927.8%
      Jamestown, ND15,817936.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Front Royal, VA15,8111098.6%
      The Dalles, OR15,8301088.4%
      Longwood, FL15,83311111.3%
      Three Lakes, FL15,79512929.5%
      Westbury, NY15,78415049.8%
      Jamestown, ND15,817936.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.