North Dakota cost of living
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There are a lot of things to consider when moving to a new state. It can seem overwhelming. That’s why it is important to break things down a bit and figure out the practical questions. Once you do that, you can focus on settling in, finding community and making your new state your home.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. If you’re thinking about relocating to North Dakota, read on for details on the cost of living in the state.
The median rent in North Dakota is $1,065.17, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in North Dakota spend $265.11 weekly on food at home and $93.75 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.26 in North Dakota.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in North Dakota pay $1,522 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in North Dakota
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in North Dakota is $1,065.17, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in North Dakota broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in North Dakota had a median cost of $725 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $870 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,138 and $1,182, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in North Dakota is $295,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Bismarck metro area was $290,000 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The same data showed the median home price in the Fargo metro area was $282,500.
North Dakota ranks No. 23 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.98%.
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Food costs in North Dakota
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in North Dakota is $265.11, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. North Dakota residents spend an average of $93.75 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in North Dakota
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in North Dakota is $3.26, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in North Dakota is $823.56, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Health care costs in North Dakota
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost North Dakota employees $1,522 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,319 of the $7,841 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in North Dakota
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in North Dakota is $122.20, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in North Dakota costs $7.19 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in North Dakota compare with the national average?
Our 2023 analysis found that North Dakota has the lowest overall cost of living in the U.S.
Is North Dakota good for renters?
With the lowest rent-to-income ratio in the country, North Dakota finished as the most renter-friendly state in our 2024 study.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
