Cost of Living in North Dakota
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 401 cities in ND. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in North Dakota is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in North Dakota, with comparisons to national averages.
North Dakota's average home value of $108,535 is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $58,551, and average monthly rent is $369.
Most Affordable Cities in North Dakota
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valley City | $152,800 | $782/mo | $56,471 | 6,554 |
| 2 | Wahpeton | $164,600 | $753/mo | $57,417 | 7,996 |
| 3 | Devils Lake | $171,000 | $678/mo | $42,755 | 7,170 |
| 4 | Jamestown | $192,500 | $741/mo | $54,809 | 15,774 |
| 5 | Grand Forks | $243,300 | $958/mo | $63,838 | 58,882 |
| 6 | Mandan | $246,300 | $1,044/mo | $75,966 | 24,293 |
| 7 | Dickinson | $252,400 | $963/mo | $76,964 | 25,216 |
| 8 | Minot | $254,400 | $928/mo | $77,431 | 47,922 |
| 9 | Williston | $262,700 | $1,106/mo | $84,309 | 27,964 |
| 10 | Fargo | $269,800 | $916/mo | $66,029 | 129,064 |
| 11 | Bismarck | $291,400 | $992/mo | $77,608 | 74,146 |
| 12 | West Fargo | $302,200 | $1,075/mo | $96,877 | 39,325 |
| 13 | Watford City | $385,100 | $1,210/mo | $88,351 | 6,016 |
Most Expensive Cities in North Dakota
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watford City | $385,100 | $1,210/mo | $88,351 | 6,016 |
| 2 | West Fargo | $302,200 | $1,075/mo | $96,877 | 39,325 |
| 3 | Bismarck | $291,400 | $992/mo | $77,608 | 74,146 |
| 4 | Fargo | $269,800 | $916/mo | $66,029 | 129,064 |
| 5 | Williston | $262,700 | $1,106/mo | $84,309 | 27,964 |
| 6 | Minot | $254,400 | $928/mo | $77,431 | 47,922 |
| 7 | Dickinson | $252,400 | $963/mo | $76,964 | 25,216 |
| 8 | Mandan | $246,300 | $1,044/mo | $75,966 | 24,293 |
| 9 | Grand Forks | $243,300 | $958/mo | $63,838 | 58,882 |
| 10 | Jamestown | $192,500 | $741/mo | $54,809 | 15,774 |
Highest Income Cities in North Dakota
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Fargo | $96,877 | $302,200 | 39,325 |
| 2 | Watford City | $88,351 | $385,100 | 6,016 |
| 3 | Williston | $84,309 | $262,700 | 27,964 |
| 4 | Bismarck | $77,608 | $291,400 | 74,146 |
| 5 | Minot | $77,431 | $254,400 | 47,922 |
| 6 | Dickinson | $76,964 | $252,400 | 25,216 |
| 7 | Mandan | $75,966 | $246,300 | 24,293 |
| 8 | Fargo | $66,029 | $269,800 | 129,064 |
| 9 | Grand Forks | $63,838 | $243,300 | 58,882 |
| 10 | Wahpeton | $57,417 | $164,600 | 7,996 |
Cost of Living FAQ — North Dakota
What is the average cost of living in North Dakota?
The average median home value across North Dakota cities is $108,535, with average rent of $369/month. The average median household income is $58,551.
What are the cheapest cities in North Dakota?
The most affordable cities in North Dakota by home value include Valley City ($152,800), Wahpeton ($164,600), Devils Lake ($171,000).
What is the most expensive city in North Dakota?
The most expensive city in North Dakota is Watford City with a median home value of $385,100.
How does North Dakota compare to the national average?
North Dakota's average home value of $108,535 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $369/month is below the US average of $1,163.