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Cost of Living in McLean County

Is it better to rent or buy in McLean 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.

$83,068
$738/mo

Median in area: $738

$225,508

Median in area: $225,508

$45,102

If you Rent

🔑
$993 /mo
Base Rent$738
Est. Utilities$255
% of Income14.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,929

If you Buy

🏠
$1,705 /mo
P&I (7.2%)$1,225
Taxes & Ins$225
Est. Utilities$255
% of Income24.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,218

Compare Nearby Areas

See how McLean County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyBurleigh County, ND
$1,143/mo
countyMountrail County, ND
$994/mo
countySheridan County, ND
$373/mo
countyWard County, ND
$1,043/mo
countyMercer County, ND
$1,110/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in McLean County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $993, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,705 per month (a difference of $712).

How much do utilities cost in McLean County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in McLean County is approximately $255. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in McLean County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,720 per year.