Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Bismarck, North Dakota

In Bismarck, North Dakota, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.44 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.63 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,326, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Bismarck's cost-of-living index of 75 puts it below the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.44

National: $4.06

199.2%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,326

National: $1,900

35.7%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$11.25

Combo meal

3.5%YoY

Electricity

10.92¢

per kWh · ~$98/mo

37.2%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$132/mo

$1,580/yr

26.5%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$84,948

25.6% goes to essentials

25.6%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Avg rent $1,326/mo in Bismarck. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$4.53 BLS avg

+23.4%

Bacon (lb)

$6.89 BLS avg

+19.0%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.34 BLS avg

+22.6%

Pasta (lb)

$1.76 BLS avg

+34.4%

Rice (5 lb)

$4.79 BLS avg

+26.7%

Coffee (12 oz)

$11.04 BLS avg

+40.1%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.15 BLS avg

+47.6%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.01 BLS avg

+11.4%

Apples (3 lb)

$4.51 BLS avg

+14.8%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.67 BLS avg

+29.6%

Lettuce (head)

$2.06 BLS avg

+31.2%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.30 BLS avg

+49.0%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.63 BLS avg

+19.0%

Cereal (family size)

$5.48 BLS avg

+30.8%

Frozen Pizza

$8.30 BLS avg

+45.9%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$11.25

Casual Dining

$16.39

Monthly Spend

$262.02

+3.47% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $5.64

$9.09

+61.2%

Wendy's

2022: $6.36

$9.82

+54.4%

Chipotle

2022: $6.82

$10.18

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $3.33

$4.63

+39.0%

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Looking for an Apartment in Bismarck?

Average 1BR: $1,087/mo · 2BR: $1,565/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

58k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,220

$63k/yr

Top Sector

Education & Health Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$85k

household median

Employment by Sector — Bismarck

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Education & Health Services
+3.8% 5yr$1,342/wk
21.8%

~$70k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
+1.2% 5yr$1,051/wk
18.9%

~$55k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+2.5% 5yr$457/wk
10.9%

~$24k/yr

Professional & Business Services
+3.8% 5yr$1,755/wk
10.9%

~$91k/yr

Manufacturing
+5.8% 5yr$1,394/wk
5.4%

~$72k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 38015

Highest Paying Sector

Professional & Business Services

$1,755/wk · $91k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$457/wk · $24k/yr

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