North Dakota cost of living

The average cost of living in North Dakota

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in North Dakota was $55,780 in 2023. This number represents the combined costs that North Dakota residents typically face across housing, health care, groceries, energy, and other goods and services.

Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in North Dakota:

Housing costs in North Dakota

Housing costs often shape where people can afford to live, and North Dakota offers some of the most competitive rental prices in the country. Based on 2025 figures from Apartments.com, the average rent in North Dakota is $960, which is less than the national average rent of $1,639. Rent varies across communities and home sizes, so it’s important to consider your family’s needs. According to the 2023 American Community Survey, average monthly rents in North Dakota are:

• One-bedroom rent: $744
• Two-bedroom rent: $916
• Three-bedroom rent: $1,341
• Four-bedroom rent: $1,534

If you are looking to buy, home prices in North Dakota are much less than the U.S. median, with the median home price at $305,500 compared with $446,638 nationally.

Property taxes play a role in overall housing costs. North Dakota’s effective property tax rate is 0.94%. The state ranks No. 19 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation.

» COMPARE: Best moving companies in North Dakota

Food costs in North Dakota

Grocery bills and dining out expenses are a regular part of life in North Dakota. The most recent U.S. Census data shows that the average household spends $265.11 per week on groceries, compared with $270.21 across the country.

Your food spending will vary depending on your habits — frequent home cooking tends to keep costs down, while eating out regularly, especially in larger towns or cities, will drive expenses up. Rural communities often benefit from lower grocery prices, while urban areas and popular restaurants may come with a higher price tag for meals.

Transportation costs in North Dakota

Driving costs are a significant factor for many North Dakota families. The average price per gallon of regular gas is $2.90, which is less than the U.S. average of $3.13. This means filling up your tank in North Dakota is generally more affordable.

The average annual auto insurance premium (including liability, collision and comprehensive coverage) in North Dakota is $870.64. For comparison, the U.S. average stands at $1,258.

Health care costs in North Dakota

Health care costs are an important part of any family’s budget. In North Dakota, employees pay an average of $1,145 each year for employer-sponsored health insurance, while employers contribute the remaining $7,360 of the total $8,504 annual premium.

Nationally, the typical employee contribution is $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.

Utility costs in North Dakota

Utility expenses can fluctuate, but North Dakota residents typically see average electric bills of $117.69 each month, compared with $136.84 for the U.S. as a whole.

Natural gas prices in North Dakota are $7.45 per thousand cubic feet, while the national average is $12.92.