Rent Affordability for North Dakota (2026)
North Dakota (ND) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$850
Median Monthly Income
$5,417
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,625
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
15.7%
How This Calculator Works in North Dakota
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in North Dakota based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the North Dakota average.
North Dakota Overview
With a median household income of $65,000, North Dakota residents can afford roughly $1,625/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $850/month. State income taxes in North Dakota reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How North Dakota Compares
North Dakota's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring South Dakota, the ratio is 15.5%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $800 | Average 1BR rent is $800 with median monthly income of $5,167. The 30% rule allows $1,550 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Montana | $1,100 | Average 1BR rent is $1,100 with median monthly income of $5,000. The 30% rule allows $1,500 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Minnesota | $1,100 | Average 1BR rent is $1,100 with median monthly income of $6,417. The 30% rule allows $1,925 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In North Dakota, the median household earns $65,000 annually ($5,417 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,625 per month. With average 1BR rents at $850, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for North Dakota Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In North Dakota, with a median household income of $65,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,625/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in North Dakota is roughly $850/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in North Dakota reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in North Dakota.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in North Dakota, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.