Cost of Living in North Dakota (ND)
Compare costs across 2 North Dakota cities. From home services to salaries, see how ND stacks up against the national average.
2
Cities
94
Avg Cost Index
$54K
Avg Income
Direct Answer
North Dakota's average cost index is 94, which is below the national baseline of 100. Fargo is the most affordable tracked city in ND at index 94, while Fargo is the most expensive at index 94.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive tracked cities is 0 index points, so state-level averages should be used as a map, not a final budget.
State cost overviewBLS, Census, HUD inputsLast verified May 2026
North Dakota Highlights: Most affordable city: Fargo (index 94). Most expensive: Fargo (index 94). The gap between cheapest and most expensive is 0 index points.
What Drives the Statewide Cost Picture?
Average index
94/100
North Dakota is below the national cost baseline across tracked cities.
Cheapest city
Fargo
Fargo has a cost index of 94.
Most expensive
Fargo
Fargo has a cost index of 94.
Income average
$54K
Average median household income across 2 tracked ND cities.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Cities in North Dakota
North Dakota State Taxes (2026)
Headline tax rates that affect your real take-home pay and total cost of living in North Dakota.
State Income Tax
1.95-2.5%
progressive system
Combined Sales Tax
6.96%
5% state + 1.96% avg local
Property Tax (Effective)
0.94%
~$2,820/yr on a $300K home
Income tax: North Dakota uses a progressive income tax at 1.95-2.5%. No state estate tax. Estimate your take-home pay
State Planning Checklist
- Start with Fargo if the priority is lowest recurring cost inside North Dakota.
- Compare Fargo against salary and tax advantages before assuming the higher-cost city is worse.
- Use city pages for rent, salary, insurance, and local service costs before making a relocation decision.