North Dakota Cost of Living & Rents (2026)
Compare HUD Fair Market Rents, living wages, and composite living cost indices across all 7 benchmark metropolitan areas in North Dakota.
Data updated · Sources: HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget · Methodology
Metropolitan Areas in North Dakota
| Metro Area | COL Index | HUD 1BR Rent | HUD 2BR Rent | Living Wage | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renville County, ND | 101.8 | $775/mo | $1,014/mo | $22.51/hr | View |
| McHenry County, ND | 100.6 | $834/mo | $1,014/mo | $22.24/hr | View |
| Bismarck, ND | 94.1 | $927/mo | $1,067/mo | $20.80/hr | View |
| Minot, ND | 93.4 | $880/mo | $1,110/mo | $19.20/hr | View |
| Ward County, ND | 90.4 | $864/mo | $1,049/mo | $20.00/hr | View |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 90.0 | $821/mo | $1,014/mo | $19.91/hr | View |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 86.2 | $903/mo | $1,104/mo | $19.07/hr | View |
Comprehensive 2026 cost of living analysis for North Dakota. Compare HUD Fair Market Rents, living wages, state income tax impact, & metropolitan living costs. Official 2026 economic data for North Dakota compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.
Quick answers
Its metros average a cost-of-living index of 93.8 (U.S. = 100), from EPI family budgets. Average one-bedroom HUD Fair Market Rent across its metros is about $858 a month.
The average living wage for a single adult in North Dakota is approximately $20.53/hour, while a family with two adults and one child requires roughly $21.89/hour to cover basic necessities.