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Cost of Living in Barnes County

Is it better to rent or buy in Barnes County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$70,268
$749/mo

Median in area: $749

$175,536

Median in area: $175,536

$35,107

If you Rent

🔑
$957 /mo
Base Rent$749
Est. Utilities$208
% of Income16.3%
Pre-tax Residual$4,899

If you Buy

🏠
$1,394 /mo
P&I (7.176%)$951
Taxes & Ins$235
Est. Utilities$208
% of Income23.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,462

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Barnes County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyRansom County, ND
$826/mo
countyLaMoure County, ND
$733/mo
countyGriggs County, ND
$573/mo
countyCass County, ND
$1,052/mo
countyStutsman County, ND
$910/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Barnes County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Barnes County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $957, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,394 per month (a difference of $437).

How much do utilities cost in Barnes County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Barnes County is approximately $208. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Barnes County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Barnes County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $38,280 per year.