Home Cost of living by state Cost of Living in North Dakota in 2025 Cost of Living in North Dakota in 2025 The average cost of living in North Dakota is $7,704 per month. That’s 8% below the national average. View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Shivani Gite Shivani Gite Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. | Reviewed by Nupur Gambhir Nupur Gambhir Nupur Gambhir is an insurance expert and managing editor of Insure.com. She specializes in life and health insurance content, and has experience as a marketing consultant. | Posted on: November 24, 2025 Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. Understanding the cost of living in North Dakota can help you plan your budget and make informed financial decisions — whether you already live there, are thinking about moving, or are considering it as a place to retire.The cost of living represents the amount of money you need each month to cover essentials such as housing, food, utilities and healthcare. In North Dakota, average monthly expenses include $1,315 for groceries, $687 for utilities, $1,829 for housing, $434 for healthcare— adding up to $7,704 per month. That’s below the national average.Knowing how these costs compare gives you a clear picture of day-to-day living expenses and helps you decide how far your income can go in North Dakota versus other parts of the country.How North Dakota’s cost of living compares to the national averageThe overall cost of living in North Dakota is 8% cheaper than the national average.Several key spending categories — such as housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare — contribute to this difference. While housing costs often have the biggest impact, other expenses can make certain areas more or less affordable depending on local prices and lifestyle.For example, homeowners in North Dakota spend about 20% below rates compared to the national average.Average monthly living costs in North DakotaMonthly living expenses in North Dakota vary depending on whether you own or rent a home and the size of your household. Homeowners often have higher monthly costs due to mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance, while renters typically spend less — though exact costs can vary widely by location.Family size also makes a big difference. For couples with children aged 6–17, the average monthly cost of living is $8,067 for homeowners.The table below shows how monthly costs in North Dakota differ for homeowners, renters, and families with children.CategoryAverage monthly costHome Owner$7,704Renter$4,279Married Couple with Children Under 6$7,006Married Couple with Children 6-17$8,067Powered by:Cost of living breakdown in North Dakota by categoryLiving in North Dakota involves a range of expenses that vary based on your lifestyle, household size, and location within the state. Housing — including rent or mortgage payments— averages $1,829 per month, while groceries typically cost $1,315.Utilities cost $687 per month, and healthcare costs an average of $434 per month.Below is a breakdown of common living costs in North Dakota to help you understand how much you might spend in each category.Housing costs in North DakotaHousing in North Dakota is $1,829, 20% below the national average. For families, housing expenses can climb further. Married couples with children ages 6–17 spend around $8,067 per.Housing tends to be one of the most significant factors influencing the overall cost of living in North Dakota.Grocery costs in North DakotaGrocery costs $1,315 in North Dakota, the rates are 4% below the national average.Utility costs in North DakotaThe utility cost in North Dakota is $687 per month– that’s 18% below the national average.Healthcare costs in North DakotaHealthcare in North Dakota costs $434 a month, it’s 8% above the national average.Thinking about moving to North Dakota?Relocating isn’t just about picking a new city — it’s about adjusting to a different cost of living. Everyday expenses, such as housing, groceries, transportation and healthcare, can vary dramatically from one state to another.That’s where our Cost of Living Calculator comes in. Enter your ZIP code to see how much it would cost to maintain your current lifestyle in North Dakota.Keep in mind that the cost of living extends beyond rent and groceries. Insurance also plays a major role in your monthly budget. From home insurance that protects your property to auto insurance that keeps you covered on the road, rates can change significantly based on where you live.Our COLI calculator can also provide home and auto insurance estimates tailored to your ZIP code, helping you plan more accurately before making the move. Cost of living calculator by ZIP code Moving From Please enter valid zip Moving To Please enter valid zip Current income after-tax $ Please enter salary Value must be less than 10 digit Re-Calculate Sorry the data for ZIP 94404 is not available. We do not have data for ZIP code XXXXX& XXXXX, please select from the available areas. Try to identify the areas that are similar to the desired ZIP code, the nearest area is a good place to start but it may not be the best substitute. City from Select city City to Select city Update New York (Brooklyn) City, NY Boise City, ID $32,000 Cost of living in Boise City, ID, after-tax Cost of Living 36% lower in Boise City, ID, than New York (Brooklyn) City, NY Auto Insurance 46% lower in Boise City, ID, than New York (Brooklyn) City, NY Home Insurance 33% lower in Boise City, ID, than New York (Brooklyn) City, NY Compare cost of living: Boise City, ID, vs New York (Brooklyn) City, NY Cost in Boise City, ID ------- vs ------- Cost in New York (Brooklyn) City, NY Housing -63% Groceries -10% Utilities -35% Transportation -3% Healthcare -20% Misc. Goods & Services -4% Auto Insurance -46% Home Insurance -33% Auto Insurance New York (Brooklyn) City, NY: $2,453 Boise City, ID: $1,321 % Change: 46% lower Find Insurance Cost in Boise City, ID Home Insurance New York (Brooklyn) City, NY: $2,694 Boise City, ID: $1,809 % Change: 33% lower Find Insurance Cost in Boise City, ID Get this report NOW! GO Email sent successfully. Unable to send the email. OR L O A D I N G How to use cost of living comparison calculator To use the tool, enter the Zip code to get the most accurate result. Cities can have multiple Zip codes, so by entering the city name, you'll get the average for all Zip codes in that city. We may not have cost-of-living data for some non-metropolitan areas. In those cases, we provide the cost-of-living information for the nearest Zip code with available information. The cost of living index lets you compare one area’s costs with another. Enter where you live and the information about another community. Provide your income and calculate the cost of living. Our tool shows what you’ll need to earn to maintain the same standard of living. The tool also highlights the cost differences for each category: housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, auto insurance, and home insurance. The cost of living tool additionally includes how much you’d save on home and auto insurance. Enter your information below and compare the cost of living between two places. Final thoughtsManaging day-to-day expenses in North Dakota comes down to balancing the essentials — housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and utilities — that make up most of your monthly budget. How much you spend ultimately depends on whether you rent or own your home and the size of your household.A practical way to manage the cost of living in North Dakota is to focus on the categories that have the biggest impact on your wallet. Since housing often takes up the largest share, choosing a more affordable neighborhood or renting before buying can help reduce financial strain. Small adjustments — like meal planning to cut grocery costs, shopping around for insurance, or making energy-efficient upgrades — can also make a meaningful difference over time.Frequently asked questions on the cost of living in North DakotaHow can I beat the high cost of living in North Dakota?A high cost of living in North Dakota can stretch any budget, but a few smart strategies can help make it easier to manage. Housing tends to take the biggest share of expenses, so looking beyond high-cost metro areas can free up more of your income.Other essentials like groceries, utilities, and transportation also offer room for savings. Simple changes — such as buying in bulk, cooking at home, or comparing insurance rates — can add up over time.It also helps to track your spending regularly. Once you see where most of your money goes, it’s easier to make small adjustments that reduce your monthly costs.How does inflation impact the cost of living in North Dakota?Inflation drives up the cost of living in North Dakota by gradually increasing prices for everyday essentials. As rent, groceries, and fuel become more expensive, even small price hikes across multiple categories can quickly strain a household budget.Over time, that means your money doesn’t go as far — leaving less room for savings or discretionary spending. In short, inflation erodes purchasing power, requiring a higher income to maintain the same standard of living in North Dakota.How much should I earn to live comfortably in North Dakota?To live comfortably in North Dakota, your income should cover the essentials — housing, food, healthcare and utilities — while leaving room for savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending.A helpful way to structure your budget is by following the 50/30/20 rule:50% of your income goes toward needs, such as rent, groceries, and bills30% can be used for wants, like dining out, entertainment, or travel20% should go toward savings or paying down debt to build long-term financial stabilityCost of living in other statesAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIdahoIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoOhioOklahomaOregonRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashington D.C.WashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingShow more Shivani GiteContributing Writer | . .Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. You might find interesting Average homeowners insurance cost in North DakotaBest and cheapest homeowners insurance companies in North DakotaHow much does condo insurance cost in North Dakota in 2025?Average renters insurance cost in North Dakota In case you missed it What is HO-6 condo insurance and how much does it cost? Average homeowners insurance cost by ZIP code in 2026 What is dwelling coverage and how much do you need? Personal liability insurance: What it is and why you need it Hurricanes and home insurance: How hurricane insurance works How replacement cost coverage works when you file a claim How much do claims increase home insurance rates? Mobile home insurance cost and coverage in 2026 Homeowners insurance basics Home Insurance Advisor Cheapest homeowners insurance in 2025 How much flood insurance do I need? How to bundle home and auto insurance policies to save money Home insurance discounts for cheaper rates How much does dog liability insurance cost and do you need it? Do you have an emergency go-bag? Most Americans don’t 1/1 Related Articles Mobile home insurance cost and coverage in 2026 By Chris Kissell Average homeowners insurance cost by ZIP code in 2026 By Barry Eitel Homeowners insurance rates by state By Jake Safane How to switch home insurance By Leslie Kasperowicz What is dwelling coverage and how much do you need? By Lena Borrelli Cost of living comparison by state By Chris Kissell On this page How North Dakota's cost of living compares to the national averageAverage monthly living costs in North DakotaCost of living breakdown in North Dakota by categoryThinking about moving to North Dakota?Final thoughtsFrequently asked questions on the cost of living in North Dakota ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates (844) 761-9316