Cost of living in North Dakota
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in North Dakota are 11.0% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 89.0 (U.S. = 100), making it the #8 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare North Dakota with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs North Dakota prices
- 9.1% pricier
- Take-home in North Dakota at $75,000
- $61,411$5,118 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $67,001$5,583 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −8.1%−$5,408 a year in North Dakota buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your North Dakota take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare North Dakota with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with North Dakota as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to North Dakota? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
North Dakota prices by category
| Category | North Dakota | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 89.0 | −11.0% |
| Goods | 95.7 | −4.3% |
| Housing (rent) | 71.4 | −28.6% |
| Utilities | 73.7 | −26.3% |
| Other services | 91.2 | −8.8% |
Low housing costs keep North Dakota affordable: rents run 29% below average. The overall price level rose 0.9% relative to the nation versus 2023 (88.2). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in North Dakota, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,645 | $42,355 | $47,612 | $56,206 |
| $75,000 | $13,589 | $61,411 | $69,033 | $84,309 |
| $100,000 | $21,489 | $78,511 | $88,255 | $112,411 |
At $75,000, North Dakota ranks #2 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: North Dakota paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in North Dakota equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to North Dakota. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in North Dakota once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | +10.9% | $83,146 | $91,471 |
| South Dakota | −0.4% | $74,686 | $74,376 |
| Montana | +6.4% | $79,794 | $85,232 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −2.3% | $73,295 | $76,065 |
| Mississippi | −2.3% | $73,309 | $76,057 |
| Iowa | −1.3% | $73,991 | $76,788 |
| Oklahoma | −1.3% | $74,059 | $77,851 |
| California | +24.5% | $93,346 | $106,038 |
| Hawaii | +23.6% | $92,698 | $104,635 |
| Washington, DC | +23.5% | $92,656 | $103,739 |
| New Jersey | +22.3% | $91,732 | $101,135 |
| Texas | +9.1% | $81,827 | $82,688 |
| Florida | +16.2% | $87,187 | $88,926 |
| New York | +21.3% | $90,987 | $100,967 |
Moving from North Dakota to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is North Dakota expensive to live in?
North Dakota has a price level of 89.0 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 11.0% below the national average. It ranks #8 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in North Dakota?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $66,719 in North Dakota before taxes. After North Dakota taxes, $75,000 takes home $61,411 — worth $69,033 at U.S.-average prices, #2 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in North Dakota?
North Dakota's housing price level is 71.4, meaning rents are 28.6% below the national average. Goods are 95.7 and utilities 73.7.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
South Dakota (price level 88.6, −0.4% vs North Dakota). A $75,000 North Dakota salary is equivalent to $74,376 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.