Salary Needed to Live in Bismarck as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $51,056/year to live comfortably in Bismarck, ND, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $51,056/year to live comfortably in Bismarck, ND. The bare-minimum salary is $44,157/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,073.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,723/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,255/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$51,056
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,157
$3,680/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,723
23% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Bismarck
| Expense | Bismarck | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $699 | $1,351 | -48% |
| Groceries | $210 | $207 | +1% |
| Utilities | $170 | $169 | +1% |
| Transportation | $237 | $316 | -25% |
| Car Insurance | $204 | $211 | -3% |
| Health Insurance | $596 | $630 | -5% |
| Internet | $61 | $65 | -6% |
| Phone | $80 | $85 | -6% |
| Dining & Social | $282 | $300 | -6% |
| Entertainment | $113 | $120 | -6% |
| Personal Care | $71 | $75 | -5% |
| Total Monthly | $2,723 | $3,529 | -23% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,723
Target savings (10%):$350/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,073
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$51,056
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$699
Studio/1BR rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus ND state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$350/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Bismarck is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $699/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $607/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $44,157/year as the survival floor and $51,056/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Bismarck
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Bismarck?
A single person needs approximately $51,056/year ($4,255/month gross) to live comfortably in Bismarck with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Bismarck?
A studio/1br in Bismarck costs approximately $699/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Bismarck affordable for a single person?
Yes, Bismarck is 23% more affordable than the national average for a single person.