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Cost of Living in North Dakota

Is it better to rent or buy in North Dakota? 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.

$80,613
$983/mo

Median in area: $983

$260,488

Median in area: $260,488

$52,098

If you Rent

🔑
$1,185 /mo
Base Rent$983
Est. Utilities$202
% of Income17.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,533

If you Buy

🏠
$1,901 /mo
P&I (6.914%)$1,374
Taxes & Ins$325
Est. Utilities$202
% of Income28.3%
Pre-tax Residual$4,816

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in North Dakota?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in North Dakota. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,185, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,901 per month (a difference of $716).

How much do utilities cost in North Dakota?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in North Dakota is approximately $202. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in North Dakota?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in North Dakota without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $47,400 per year.