salaryGrand Forks is the 3rd-largest city in North Dakota that we track, with 59,042 residents. Rent is lower than in 75% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.6 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 14.8 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $48,640 a year. That is $23 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 11 of 13 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Grand Forks?
Share of households by yearly income. 20.7% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Grand Forks
| Size | Grand Forks | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $899 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $910 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,069 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,537 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,974 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Grand Forks overall?
Everyday prices in the Grand Forks metro area are 13% below the U.S. average (index 86.7, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Grand Forks
Life in Grand Forks
What jobs pay in Grand Forks
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $138,310 | 10.6% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,450 | 10.9% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,990 | 11.1% |
| Lawyer | $104,210 | 14.0% |
| Civil Engineer | $100,520 | 14.5% |
| Software Developer | $92,120 | 15.8% |
| Operations Manager | $85,420 | 17.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,070 | 18.5% |
| HVAC Technician | $75,470 | 19.3% |
| Accountant | $74,740 | 19.5% |
| Police Officer | $74,500 | 19.6% |
| Electrician | $69,710 | 20.9% |
| Firefighter | $68,060 | 21.4% |
| Plumber | $62,940 | 23.2% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,430 | 23.8% |
| Market Research Analyst | $60,530 | 24.1% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,500 | 24.1% |
| Truck Driver | $59,360 | 24.6% |
| Carpenter | $57,440 | 25.4% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,740 | 31.9% |
| Medical Assistant | $44,560 | 32.7% |
| Warehouse Worker | $43,580 | 33.5% |
| Customer Service Representative | $42,560 | 34.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,800 | 39.7% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,440 | 42.4% |
| Cashier | $30,980 | 47.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,820 | 52.5% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Grand Forks?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $518 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $249,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $24,990 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Grand Forks, ND?
Renting in Grand Forks costs a median of about $1,216 a month in 2026, including utilities. The North Dakota median is $1,115.
How much do I need to make to live in Grand Forks?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $48,640 a year, or $23 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Grand Forks cheap or expensive?
Grand Forks is rated OK: rent takes 21.3% of the typical household income of $68,622. It ranks 11th cheapest of 13 North Dakota cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Grand Forks?
The median homeowner in Grand Forks pays $3,167 a year in property taxes, about 1.27% of the median home value.
Is Grand Forks more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 13% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Grand Forks?
The median home value in Grand Forks is $249,900, about 3.6 times the typical yearly household income.
59,042 people live in Grand Forks. Numbers are typical (middle) values.