North Dakota

North Dakota is about 17% cheaper than the national average. Across the 4 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 83, where 100 is the US average.

Typical rent in North Dakota averages $1,198 a month across the 4 cities we track as of September 2026, 38% below the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 3rd lowest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.

Of the 4 cities we track in North Dakota, Bismarck has the lowest cost of living index at 75. The lowest typical rent is in Fargo, at $1,103 a month.

Grand Forks has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in North Dakota, at 88. The highest typical rent is in Bismarck, at $1,303 a month.

Regular unleaded averages $3.84 a gallon in North Dakota as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 3% below the national average of $3.98. That is near the middle of 51 states.

Rent in North Dakota rose an average of 4.4% over the past year across the 4 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.

Residential electricity in North Dakota averages 13.3 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $120.

Full coverage car insurance in North Dakota averages $1,580 a year, or about $132 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 9th lowest of 51 states.