salaryBismarck is the 2nd-largest city in North Dakota that we track, with 75,556 residents. Rent is lower than in 81% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.6 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 15.6 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $44,600 a year. That is $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other North Dakota cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of North Dakota. It is number 7 of 13 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Bismarck?
Share of households by yearly income. 27.8% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Bismarck
| Size | Bismarck | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $671 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $871 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,098 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,587 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,949 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Bismarck overall?
Everyday prices in the Bismarck metro area are 9% below the U.S. average (index 91.0, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Bismarck
Life in Bismarck
What jobs pay in Bismarck
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $143,380 | 9.3% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,140 | 10.3% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,650 | 10.3% |
| Lawyer | $109,010 | 12.3% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $106,700 | 12.5% |
| Software Developer | $106,020 | 12.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $98,270 | 13.6% |
| Operations Manager | $93,540 | 14.3% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,600 | 14.6% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,120 | 16.5% |
| Accountant | $76,910 | 17.4% |
| Plumber | $70,310 | 19.0% |
| HVAC Technician | $64,770 | 20.7% |
| Police Officer | $63,230 | 21.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $62,400 | 21.4% |
| Truck Driver | $62,000 | 21.6% |
| Electrician | $61,900 | 21.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,690 | 21.7% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,010 | 21.9% |
| Carpenter | $54,670 | 24.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $48,980 | 27.3% |
| Firefighter | $47,440 | 28.2% |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,720 | 28.6% |
| Customer Service Representative | $46,240 | 28.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $43,260 | 30.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,730 | 36.4% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,610 | 36.5% |
| Cashier | $33,260 | 40.2% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $32,310 | 41.4% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Bismarck?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $969 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $300,300 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $30,030 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Bismarck, ND?
Renting in Bismarck costs a median of about $1,115 a month in 2026, including utilities. The North Dakota median is $1,115.
How much do I need to make to live in Bismarck?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $44,600 a year, or $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Bismarck cheap or expensive?
Bismarck is rated Cheap: rent takes 15.8% of the typical household income of $84,540. It ranks 7th cheapest of 13 North Dakota cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Bismarck?
The median homeowner in Bismarck pays $3,023 a year in property taxes, about 1.01% of the median home value.
Is Bismarck more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 9% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Bismarck?
The median home value in Bismarck is $300,300, about 3.6 times the typical yearly household income.
75,556 people live in Bismarck. Numbers are typical (middle) values.