salaryRent is lower than in 54% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.7 years of household income. Most households rent (71%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $62,600 a year. That is $30 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 13 of 13 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Watford City?
Share of households by yearly income. 43.9% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Watford City
| Size | Watford City | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,366 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,067 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,430 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,145 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,336 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Watford City overall?
Everyday prices in North Dakota overall are 11% below the U.S. average (index 89.0, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024. City-level data is not published for Watford City, so the North Dakota figure is shown.
Taxes and bills in Watford City
Life in Watford City
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Watford City?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $1,269 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $408,500 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $40,850 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Watford City, ND?
Renting in Watford City costs a median of about $1,565 a month in 2026, including utilities. The North Dakota median is $1,115.
How much do I need to make to live in Watford City?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $62,600 a year, or $30 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Watford City cheap or expensive?
Watford City is rated Cheap: rent takes 17.0% of the typical household income of $110,287. It ranks 13th cheapest of 13 North Dakota cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Watford City?
The median homeowner in Watford City pays $2,319 a year in property taxes, about 0.57% of the median home value.
Is Watford City more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in North Dakota are 11% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Watford City?
The median home value in Watford City is $408,500, about 3.7 times the typical yearly household income.
6,039 people live in Watford City. Numbers are typical (middle) values.