Direct Answer
Bismarck, ND has a CostOfCity index of 94, which is 6% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $999/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,485/month.
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Cost of Living in Bismarck: The Full Picture
How does Bismarck compare to the rest of America? With a population of 74,000 and an economy built on a midwestern economy that delivers solid value — wages are moderate, but so is everything else, this ND smaller city has a cost profile that's distinctly its own. Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy. The 62 categories below translate these broad dynamics into specific dollar figures you can plan around.
Bismarck has a logistics-and-distribution powerhouse where being centrally located keeps businesses and costs grounded
The housing market features a housing market that gives you more square footage per dollar than either coast
Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Budget accordingly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy..
Good news for your wallet: Bismarck's cost index of 94 means you'll pay 6% less than the national average. That kind of savings compounds across every monthly expense.
💰 Purchasing Power in Bismarck
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Bismarck, your dollar buys 6% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Bismarck Costs More
🔽 Where Bismarck Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Bismarck
What it actually costs to live in Bismarck each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Bismarck's cost index of 94 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Bismarck's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Highway corridors and school district boundaries drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Bismarck vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Bismarck
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-7%HVAC Installation
-35%Plumbing Services
-22%Electrical Work
0%Kitchen Remodel
-19%Bathroom Remodel
+12%House Painting
-10%Flooring Installation
-19%Landscaping
-26%Fence Installation
-28%Window Replacement
-22%Solar Panel Installation
-17%Water Heater Replacement
+4%Deck Building
+12%Pool Installation
-4%Tree Removal
-23%Garage Door Repair
-18%💼 Business Startup Costs in Bismarck
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-22%Start a Coffee Shop
-24%Start a Food Truck
+16%Start a Gym
-18%Start a Daycare
-14%Start a Hair Salon
-21%Start a Laundromat
-12%Start a Bakery
-20%Start a Bar
-2%Start a Cleaning Business
-16%Start an Airbnb
-29%Start a Trucking Business
+16%📊 Cost of Living in Bismarck
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-13%Rent Prices
-29%Grocery Costs
-15%Utility Costs
+14%Transportation Costs
-21%Childcare Costs
-18%Gym Membership
-15%🛡️ Insurance in Bismarck
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
+17%Home Insurance
-15%Health Insurance
-1%Business Insurance
-23%Life Insurance
+8%Renters Insurance
+14%Pet Insurance
-15%Dental Insurance
+13%Motorcycle Insurance
+15%⚖️ Legal Services in Bismarck
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-15%Divorce Lawyer
-21%DUI Lawyer
+12%Immigration Lawyer
-25%Estate Planning Lawyer
-18%Workers Comp Lawyer
0%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-18%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Bismarck
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-7%Registered Nurse Salary
-5%Teacher Salary
-22%Electrician Salary
-14%Plumber Salary
-10%Accountant Salary
-25%Physical Therapist Salary
-3%Police Officer Salary
-7%Dentist Salary
-15%Real Estate Agent Salary
-14%How Much Income Do You Need in Bismarck?
✅ Best For
- Families seeking work-life balance
- Small business founders
- First-time homebuyers
- Young professionals starting out
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in niche industries with few local employers
- Those seeking big-city nightlife
Before moving to Bismarck, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bismarck
Is Bismarck, ND expensive to live in?
Bismarck's cost of living index is 94, which is 6% below the national average of 100. Bismarck is close to the national average in cost.
What are the most expensive cost categories in Bismarck?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Bismarck, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by midwestern climate conditions and state regulations.
Is Bismarck a good place to start a business?
Bismarck's business environment is shaped by ND's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Explore Bismarck in Depth
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