What it actually costs to live in North Dakota.
North Dakota’s cost-of-living index sits at 88 on the MERIC composite (national average = 100), ranking #46 of 51 jurisdictions for cost. That means a standard basket of goods + services in North Dakota costs about 12% LESS than the US average. Median home price: $245,000. Population-weighted median rent across metros: $1,031/mo.
North Dakota cost components
| Component | North Dakota | National avg |
|---|---|---|
| COL index (basket) | 88 | 100 |
| Median home price | $245,000 | ~$420,000 |
| Median rent (pop-weighted) | $1,031/mo | ~$1,850/mo |
| Commute cost (proxy) | $135/mo | ~$185/mo |
Commute cost = avg metro commute minutes × $0.18/min × 2 trips × 22 work days. Refined BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey integration tracked for v1.
How North Dakota compares
Of all 51 US jurisdictions, North Dakota ranks #46 for cost. That puts North Dakota among the 10 most affordable — typical relocation candidates from CA/NY/MA looking for housing relief land here. For the live state-vs-state heat map see the interactive cost-of-living map.
North Dakota metros — city-level cost
State averages hide major intra-state variation. Fargo has very different housing dynamics than smaller North Dakota metros. Click any city for the full home affordability breakdown.
More North Dakota metros coming as we expand city coverage.
North Dakota cost of living — common questions
What is the cost of living in North Dakota?
North Dakota's MERIC cost-of-living index is 88 (national average = 100). That means a typical basket of goods + services in North Dakota costs about 12% less than the US average.
What is the median home price in North Dakota?
North Dakota's state-level median home price is approximately $245,000 (Census ACS 2024). Metros vary significantly — see the top-metro list below for city-level breakdowns.
What is the median rent in North Dakota?
North Dakota's population-weighted median rent across metros in our dataset is approximately $1,031/mo. Major-metro rents typically run 30-80% above this state-level average.
Are there any North Dakota-specific cost-of-living quirks?
ND COL index ~93; Bakken oil-boom counties saw extreme housing inflation 2010–2014 then softened; statewide housing remains affordable (median ~$240k).
Reviewed by CalcFi Editorial · COL source: MERIC quarterly; home + rent: Census ACS 2024. Last verified 2026-04-19.