North Dakota is a mid-western US constituent ranked as the 3rd best business-friendly state, with 2nd best available workforces. It has also been listed as the 9th best state in the nation for families to stay together. Thus, if you are considering moving to North Dakota, it might be a great opportunity for your professional and personal growth.
As the state has endless possibilities on the horizon with lots of space and room for innovation in the sectors & industries related to the field of energy & natural resources, food & agriculture, autonomous systems, tourism, IT, and advanced manufacturing.
The state of North Dakota is a perfect combination of rugged outdoors, urban settings, vibrant lifestyles, and diverse communities, allowing you to live a great life and create a big difference. But before actually moving to the state, you should be aware of the cost of living in North Dakota, which will help you a lot before and during the relocation process. Interested to know more about the same?
Then, keep reading below to know the living cost in the state under various heads.
Is the cost of living cheap in North Dakota?
The average cost of living in North Dakota is about 2% less than the national average. Bismarck is the priciest city in the state, whose average cost of living is 4% higher than the state average and 1% higher than the nation’s average.
On the other hand, Grand Forks is known as the cheapest city in North Dakota, whose cost of living is 5% lower than that of the state’s average and 7% lower than that of the nation’s average. Below is a table that states the comparative cost of living with the national average under different heads.
| Cost of Living in North Dakota | Comparison with national average |
| Housing | 6% lower |
| Food | 2% higher |
| Utilities | 9% lower |
| Healthcare | 14% higher |
| Goods & Services | 4% lower |
| Transportation | 5% higher |
Is North Dakota expensive to live in?
Living in the state of North Dakota is comparatively less expensive than living in the other states of the US as a whole. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports and research, the cost of goods & services in the state costs about 9.4% less than the average cost of living in the entire nation. According to the findings of 247wallst.com, North Dakota stands in 16th place regarding the lowest cost of living in the state.
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Cost of Living in North Dakota – Explained
According to the website U.S News.com, North Dakota has been ranked as the 14th best state to live in the nation. The GDP of the state is around $57 billion, and the median income of people is $ 35,963. This state offers a lot of prospects where you can chase your passion for converting your business ideas into powerful and profitable business organizations. It is indeed one of the least expensive places to live in and start your career with the best entrepreneurship environment and booming economy.
Before moving further to know the deep details about the average cost of living in North Dakota, you should be aware of the ranking given to the different categories of living according to US News. The table for the same is mentioned below.
| Category | Rankings |
| Healthcare | 27th |
| Education | 25th |
| Infrastructure | 4th |
| Economy | 32nd |
| Fiscal Stability | 16th |
| Opportunity | 23rd |
| Crime | 18th |
1. Groceries Prices in North Dakota
Food or household supplies sold in the supermarkets are the most basic necessary when you move into your new house in North Dakota. This basic utility also constitutes a major part of the cost of living in North Dakota.
Continue reading the table given below to know more about the exact prices of food items and groceries in North Dakota.
| Items | Cost |
| Milk (1Lt) | $ 1.01 |
| Bread (1 Loaf) | $ 2.74 |
| White Rice (1 Kg) | $ 4.78 |
| 2 dozen of eggs | $ 2.69 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 Kg) | $ 10.29 |
| Round Beef (1 Kg) | $ 11.02 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $ 5.95 |
| Bananas (1 Kg) | $2.48 |
| Potatoes (1 Kg) | $ 4.13 |
| Onions (1 Kg) | $ 3.36 |
| Water (1.5 Lt) | $ 2.83 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 Lt) | $ 3.65 |
How much does food cost in North Dakota?
Food in North Dakota is much on the affordable side. Apart from groceries, if you want to have a meal in an inexpensive restaurant, then you need to spend about $ 12; a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $60, and a fast-food meal in Mc Donald’s or any other equivalent restaurant would cost you $7.
How much does a loaf of bread cost in North Dakota?
A 500 g loaf of bread in North Dakota would cost you $ 2.74.
2. Price of Utilities in North Dakota
Utilities are considered the basic services available in homes or apartments that are extremely necessary to keep the living comfortable and for proper functioning. Similarly, if you plan to settle down here, you must be wondering about the cost of living in North Dakota in terms of utilities. Hence, given below is a table that states the same for the state.
| Utilities | Cost |
| The basic bill includes electricity, water, cooling, heating, and garbage for an 85 m2 apartment | $130.55 |
| Mobile Tariff per min | $ 0.16 |
| Internet of 60 Mbps speed | $66.14 |
How much is an electric bill in North Dakota?
The electricity bill in North Dakota for a person will amount to $ 88.8, and for a family of four, the charges for the same will be $138.
How much do utilities cost in North Dakota?
The average cost of utility index in the US is 100, while that in North Dakota is 89.4.
3. Cost For Healthcare in North Dakota
It is essential for you to know the average cost of living in North Dakota in terms of healthcare, as one’s health can get affected at any time. So, for that, you should be mentally prepared and always spare a part of your income and in your annual budget for paying for health insurance that can cover you up in times of need. Below is a table that states the cost of health insurance in North Dakota according to three different age segments.
| Types of Insurance | Age 21 | Age 40 | Age 60 |
| Catastrophic | $ 167 | $ 214 | $ 454 |
| Bronze | $ 265 | $ 339 | $ 720 |
| Bronze Expanded | $ 267 | $ 341 | $ 725 |
| Gold | $ 383 | $ 490 | $ 1040 |
| Silver | $ 410 | $ 524 | $ 1113 |
How much does Obamacare cost in North Dakota?
The average cost of monthly Obamacare costs around $411 before subsidies.
What is the average cost of health per month in North Dakota? In the state of North Dakota, the average benchmark healthcare plan for individuals costs around $ 493.
How much is health insurance for a family of 4 in North Dakota?
The average cost of healthcare insurance for a family of four, including two adults and two children, amounts to $ 1,676.
4. North Dakota Home Prices
If moving to North Dakota is in your books, then finding a roof over your head in this new state should be your priority. For this, you can either live in a rented house or purchase your own dream home in this foreign land. To plan things accordingly, we have mentioned below the price of houses in the state.
| Heads | Cost |
| Rent of 1 Bedroom apartment in a city center | $ 1020 |
| Rent of 3 Bedroom apartment in a city center | $ 1750 |
| Rent of 1 Bedroom apartment outside the city center | $ 750.42 |
| Rent of 3 Bedroom apartment outside the city center | $ 1106.67 |
| Cost of per square apartment in the city center | $ 8505.96 |
| Cost of per square apartment outside the city center | $ 405.93 |
Are house prices dropping in North Dakota?
The current median value of houses in North Dakota amounts to $235,998, which has increased about 1.4% since the last year.
How is the housing market right now in North Dakota?
The housing market of the state is experiencing a continuous boom every year. Thus, the value of homes has increased by about 10% in the past year.
How much are home prices up in North Dakota?
The median value of houses in the state has increased by about 1.4% since the last year.
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5. Education in North Dakota
The school education system in North Dakota starts from Kindergarten and ends up in 12th grade. Schools are operated within the districts and governed by nationally recognized school boards. In terms of Pre-K – 12 education North Dakota ranks at the 34rth position in the country. Apart from that, it is also a hub for higher education as the state is the home of some renowned universities. A few of them are; the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Bismarck State College, and more. Given below is a table that states the educational fees in North Dakota at different phases of life.
| Heads | Cost |
| Cost of daycare or preschool for a child for 1 month | $ 703 |
| Cost of sending the child to an international primary school for 1 year | $ 9863 |
| Average Tuition fees for attending a renowned college in the state | $ 5,009 |
| Average college fees of a renowned college | $ 919.20 |
How much does public school cost in North Dakota?
On average, a public school in North Dakota spends around $14,242 on an average per student every year.
How much does college cost for 4 years in North Dakota?
According to some recent research, the average fees, tuition, and living expenses for earning a 4-year integrated bachelor’s degree at a renowned university in the state are $ 97,992.
Is the public school in North Dakota free?
North Dakota has some traditional public schools that are operated by the school districts and funded by taxpayers, offering education to students free of cost.
How much does North Dakota university cost?
The annual cost or a university fee for North Dakotans is $ 7,706.21, and for all the other residents either belonging to another state or country is $ 11,559.32.
6. North Dakota Tax Rates
Paying taxes is every individual’s task. It is an important activity that none should skip. If you have moved to North Dakota to get successful and you are employed either in any business firm or privately employed. You need to pay taxes on your income and other relevant state taxes.
Given below is a detailed table about the various taxes charged by the government of North Dakota.
| Heads | Tax Rates |
| Individual Income Tax Rate | 1.10%-2.90% |
| State Sales Tax Rate | 5% |
| Corporate Income Tax Rate | 1.41%-4.31% |
| Property Tax | 0.95% |
| Local Sales Tax Rate | 3.50% |
| Combines State and Local Sales Tax Rate | 6.96% |
What is the income taxes in North Dakota?
The income tax in North Dakota is charged to individuals as well as the corporate sectors. The rate of taxes for both of them is 1.10%-2.90% and 1.41%-4.31%, respectively.
What is the sales tax in North Dakota?
The sales tax in this state is charged at both local and state levels. The tax rates for both of them are 3.5% and 5%respectively.
What is the property taxes in North Dakota?
The property tax in North Dakota is below the national average and is charged at 0.95%.
7. North Dakota Public Transportation
Using public vehicles is the most common means of transport for you if you are new to the state. It helps you save a lot of money by not purchasing a private vehicle and also not spending on gasoline & petrol. Some popular means of public transport are trains, buses, trams, taxis, and airlines. Given below is a table stating the cost of living in North Dakota in terms of money to be spent on public transport.
| Items | Cost |
| The average cost of a train ticket | $ 163.00 |
| 1-way ticket in a local transport | $ 1.50 |
| A monthly pass for a local transport | $ 42.00 |
| Normal taxi tariff | $ 4.50 |
| Taxi fare for 1 km | $ 1.85 |
| Taxi fare for waiting 1 hour | $ 30.00 |
| Average airfare from North Dakota (one-way trip) | $ 123 |
| Average airfare from North Dakota (round trip) | $ 208 |
How much is a bus pass in North Dakota?
The average cost of a bus pass for an individual for 31 days is $35, a 14-day pass will amount to $18, and a 1-day bus pass will cost you $5.
How much does public transportation cost per month in North Dakota?
The monthly cost of traveling by public transport for an adult amounts to $35 and for an elderly $ 26.
8. Average Cost For Energy & Fuels in North Dakota
Transportation fuels and renewable fuels are mandatory sources of energy that one needs in everyday life. Burning fuel produces energy, which helps run vehicles, airplanes, and ships and supplies electricity to our houses. Thus if you are moving to the state any time sooner, then you need to know the cost of assisted living in North Dakota in terms of cost of fuels and energy.
| Items | Cost |
| Gasoline (1 Lt) | $ 1.11 |
| Petroleum or Domestic Crude Oil (per barrel) | $ 105.14 |
| Natural gas for city use (per thousand cu ft) | $ 5.21 |
| Natural gas for residential use(per thousand cu ft) | $ 8.39 |
| The average sale price of coal (per ton) | $ 19.48 |
| Electricity in commercial places (per KW/Hr) | 8.59 cents |
| Electricity in residential places (per KW/Hr) | 10. 03 cents |
| Electricity in industrial place (per KW/Hr) | 7.00 cents |
What is the current gas price in North Dakota?
Currently, the price of natural gas in city gates is $ 5.21 per thousand cu ft, and that in a residential area is $ 8.39 thousand cu ft.
What is the average heating bill in North Dakota?
The average heating price or the heating bills in North Dakota amounts to $170.
9. Miscellaneous Things in North Dakota
Apart from the costs discussed in the above heads, there are a few more costs that you should be aware of under the head cost of living in North Dakota as they will surely assist you in deciding on your monthly budget.
| Items | Cost |
| Fitness Club Fee for 1 Month | $ 36.25 |
| Tennis Court Rent for an hour | $ 19.80 |
| 1 seat ticket at a cinema hall | $ 11.50 |
| Cost of a pair of jeans | $ 39.50 |
| Cost of a dress | $ 45.00 |
| Cost of a pair of running shoes | $ 88.50 |
| Cost of a pair of leather office shoes | $ 103.75 |
10. Make a table of living things
The average cost of living indices in the US is measured as 100. 89.9 is the average cost of living in North Dakota. Below is a cost of living index table for North Dakota compared to the nation’s average. If the cost of living is less than 100, means North Dakota is less expensive and vice versa.
| Cost of Living | North Dakota | US |
| Health | 92.4 | 100 |
| Grocery | 95.1 | 100 |
| Housing | 88.5 | 100 |
| Utilities | 89.4 | 100 |
| Transportation | 74.4 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 103.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $240,200 | $291,700 |
Cost of living in North Dakota – FAQs
What is the cheapest rent in North Dakota?
Getting a budgeted house in North Dakota is not a tedious task. Fargo is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with over 130K population. The city has some of the best job opportunities where you can settle down and live life. If you are looking for some houses with cheap rent in the city, then the lowest of which you can get is $605 per month for a 1 BHK, 358-773 sq ft of the apartment.
What factors are included in estimating your cost of living in North Dakota?
Before moving, you should be well aware of the cost of assisted living in North Dakota. According to that, you can easily set up your monthly or annual expenditure budget to maintain a moderate standard of living. Some of the major factors that affect the cost of living are; the cost of food, groceries, healthcare, housing, transportation, energy & fuels, house rent, taxes, education, and more.
What is the minimum wage in North Dakota?
The minimum wages received by the daily wage workers of North Dakota are; $7.25 per hour.
Cost of Living in North Dakota – The Bottom Line
If comparing North Dakota vs South Dakota, North Dakota offers its residents a booming economy, higher life quality, and a competitive cost of living. The state has also been ranked in the list as one of the safest and the best places to live in the country, as it has a friendly environment, good communities, a modernized quality of education system, and low crime rates.
You will find one of the best places to live in North Dakota, where you can settle down and build an exciting career. From small cities to big towns, you will find extremely welcoming people with some great opportunities to enjoy and grow in your career prospect. As now you are already aware of the cost of living in North Dakota, what’s stopping you now? Plan your stay, get a house, prepare all your necessary documents, and fly to North Dakota to settle down and call it your home.
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