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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in North Dakota: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

11.0% below

Cost of living in North Dakota is 11.0% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for North Dakota (index 89.0; U.S. = 100). Median rent in North Dakota is $980 a month.

Cost of living in North Dakota by category

Overall prices

89.0U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−11.0% vs. U.S.

Goods
95.7 −4.3%
Housing (rents)
71.4 −28.6%
Utilities
73.7 −26.3%
Other services
91.2 −8.8%

BEA 2024 · North Dakota Details: Overall prices

Housing

$980/mo

Median gross rent

−34% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$833 −36% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$950 −36% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,365 −19% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$266,100 −26% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,814 −11% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$132/mo

Average electric bill

−15% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
13.4¢/kWh −27% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$14.71/Mcf −24% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
73.7

EIA July 2026 · North Dakota Details: Utilities

Transportation

17.5min

Mean travel time to work

−36% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
76.7%
Work from home
7.1%
Gasoline (PADD 2 avg.)
$4.17/gal −4% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$209/wk

Center care, infant

+20% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$190/wk +24% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$177/wk +22% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$153/wk +7% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · North Dakota county median Details: Child care

Income

$77,871/yr

Median household income

−5% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
15%
Home value to income
3.4×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in North Dakota

Median gross rent in North Dakota is $980 a month, 34% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $750–$999 range, which holds 24.3% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 48.3% pay $1,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $266,100, and 1.8% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: North Dakota vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent North Dakota: $980; U.S.: $1,487 North Dakota $980 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs North Dakota: $1,814; U.S.: $2,035 North Dakota $1,814 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value North Dakota: $266,100; U.S.: $360,600 North Dakota $266,100 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureNorth DakotaU.S.
Median monthly rent$980$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,814$2,035
Median home value$266,100$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in North Dakota

What renters pay in North Dakota Share of renter households paying cash rent in North Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 10%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 0.6%. Median $980. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 10% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 17.5% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 24.3% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 21.6% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 11.7% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 10.2% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 3.6% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 0.5% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 0.6% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $980 (North Dakota) 24.3%
Show the data table
RangeNorth DakotaU.S.
Less than $50010%6.1%
$500–$74917.5%6.8%
$750–$99924.3%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24921.6%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49911.7%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99910.2%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4993.6%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9990.5%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.1%3.2%
$3,500 or more0.6%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in North Dakota

Home values in North Dakota Share of owner-occupied homes in North Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 14.5%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 1%. Median $266,100. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 14.5% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 8.1% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 10.2% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 13.2% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 12.6% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 18.6% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 9.9% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 8.8% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 0.8% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 1% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $266,100 (North Dakota) 18.6%
Show the data table
RangeNorth DakotaU.S.
Less than $100,00014.5%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9998.1%5.7%
$150,000–$199,99910.2%7.5%
$200,000–$249,99913.2%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99912.6%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99918.6%15.9%
$400,000–$499,9999.9%12%
$500,000–$749,9998.8%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9992.4%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9990.8%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more1%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in North Dakota

Measure North Dakota U.S.
Median rent (all units) $980$1,487
1-bedroom rent $833$1,301
2-bedroom rent $950$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,365$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,814$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is North Dakota?

At the median, rent takes about 15% of household income in North Dakota. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $39,200 a year.

The median home is worth $266,100, or 3.4 times the median household income.

Household income in North Dakota

The median household in North Dakota earns $77,871 a year, 5% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 10.1% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 13.4% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: North Dakota vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) North Dakota: $77,871; U.S.: $81,604 North Dakota $77,871 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureNorth DakotaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$77,871$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in North Dakota

Household income distribution in North Dakota Share of households in North Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 10.1%. Median $77,871. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 5% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.9% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.8% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.6% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 14% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 10.8% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 8.7% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 10.1% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $77,871 (North Dakota) 14%
Show the data table
RangeNorth DakotaU.S.
Less than $10,0005%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.9%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.7%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.8%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9993.4%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.4%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.2%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.9%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9994.1%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.8%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.6%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99914%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99910.8%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9998.7%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9998.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more10.1%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure North Dakota U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $77,871$81,604
Median home value $266,100$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, North Dakota scored 89.0 for all items. The highest category is goods at 95.7; the lowest is housing rents at 71.4.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items North Dakota: 89.0; U.S.: 100.0 North Dakota 89.0 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods North Dakota: 95.7; U.S.: 99.6 North Dakota 95.7 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) North Dakota: 71.4; U.S.: 100.6 North Dakota 71.4 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities North Dakota: 73.7; U.S.: 98.4 North Dakota 73.7 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services North Dakota: 91.2; U.S.: 100.1 North Dakota 91.2 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureNorth DakotaU.S.
All items89.0100.0
Goods95.799.6
Housing (rents)71.4100.6
Utilities73.798.4
Other services91.2100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in North Dakota paid an average of 13.4¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $132 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $14.71 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: North Dakota vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) North Dakota: 13.4¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ North Dakota 13.4¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) North Dakota: $132; U.S.: $157 North Dakota $132 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) North Dakota: $14.71; U.S.: $19.40 North Dakota $14.71 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureNorth DakotaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)13.4¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$132$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$14.71$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in North Dakota who commute spend an average of 17.5 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (76.7% of workers); 7.1% work from home. Gasoline in the Midwest region (PADD 2), which includes North Dakota, averaged $4.17 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate North Dakota price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work North Dakota: Drove alone 76.7%, Carpooled 10.2%, Public transit 0.5%, Walked 3.7%, Bicycle 0.3%, Worked from home 7.1%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.5%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in North Dakota: Drove alone. North Dakota North Dakota · Drove alone: 76.7% 76.7% North Dakota · Carpooled: 10.2% North Dakota · Public transit: 0.5% North Dakota · Walked: 3.7% North Dakota · Bicycle: 0.3% North Dakota · Worked from home: 7.1% North Dakota · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.5% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationNorth DakotaU.S.
Drove alone76.7%69.2%
Carpooled10.2%9.2%
Public transit0.5%3.7%
Walked3.7%2.4%
Bicycle0.3%0.5%
Worked from home7.1%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.5%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in North Dakota

Travel time to work in North Dakota Share of workers who do not work from home in North Dakota by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 7.3%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 1.5%. Mean 17.5 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than 5 min: 7.3% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 22.7% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 21.9% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 17.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 10.4% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 3.8% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 6.1% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 1.1% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 1.6% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 3% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 2.7% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 1.5% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 17.5 min (North Dakota) 22.7%
Show the data table
RangeNorth DakotaU.S.
Less than 5 min7.3%2.8%
5–9 min22.7%9.4%
10–14 min21.9%13.1%
15–19 min17.9%15%
20–24 min10.4%14.1%
25–29 min3.8%7%
30–34 min6.1%13.7%
35–39 min1.1%3.4%
40–44 min1.6%4.1%
45–59 min3%8.3%
60–89 min2.7%6.3%
90 min or more1.5%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in North Dakota

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $209 a week in the median North Dakota county, or $10,843 over 52 weeks. That is 20% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care North Dakota (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $209$174
Center-based care, toddler $190$153
Center-based care, preschool $177$144
Center-based care, school-age $172$120
Home-based family care, infant $153$143
Home-based family care, toddler $145$132
Home-based family care, preschool $146$131
Home-based family care, school-age $150$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than North Dakota prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in North Dakota?

Median rent is $833 for a one-bedroom and $950 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in North Dakota?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 51.8% pay less than $1,000 a month, 43.5% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 4.8% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in North Dakota?

To keep the median rent of $980 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $39,200 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is North Dakota more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in North Dakota at 89.0 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 11.0% below average. Housing rents score 71.4.

How long is the average commute in North Dakota?

17.5 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in North Dakota?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $209 a week in the median North Dakota county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.