Cost of Living for North Dakota (2026)
North Dakota (ND) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
94
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$65,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$850/month
State Income Tax Rate
1.95%
How This Calculator Works in North Dakota
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between North Dakota and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses North Dakota's cost of living index of 94 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
North Dakota Overview
North Dakota has a cost of living index of 94, where 100 represents the national average. North Dakota generally has a low cost of living, but oil boom towns in the western part of the state have seen temporary spikes in housing and food costs. The median household income is $65,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $69,149 in an average-cost location.
How North Dakota Compares
North Dakota's cost of living index of 94 compares to Minnesota's 97 and South Dakota's 92. Residents in North Dakota benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 12% less than North Dakota, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 104% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | COL Index: 97 | Minnesota has a cost of living index of 97 and a median household income of $77,000. It is more expensive than North Dakota. |
| South Dakota | COL Index: 92 | South Dakota has a cost of living index of 92 and a median household income of $63,000. It is more affordable than North Dakota. |
| Montana | COL Index: 102 | Montana has a cost of living index of 102 and a median household income of $60,000. It is more expensive than North Dakota. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. North Dakota's index of 94 is below the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. North Dakota's median household income of $65,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for North Dakota Residents
- 1North Dakota generally has a low cost of living, but oil boom towns in the western part of the state have seen temporary spikes in housing and food costs.
- 2North Dakota's median household income of $65,000 has a real purchasing power of about $69,149 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3North Dakota's top state income tax rate of 1.95% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within North Dakota between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.