Average Rent in North Dakota 2026 — 1BR & 2BR Prices

Quick answer

A single adult in North Dakota typically needs about $2,769/month, with rent of $950 (1BR) as the largest single expense. A family with kids runs closer to $4,914/mo.

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Total / month
$2,769
Rent (1BR)
$950
Rent (2BR)
$1,150
Cost index
95
What this means in real life

In North Dakota, the swing factor is rent. Fargo pulls the averages up; smaller cities like Bismarck often run 15–30% cheaper. Groceries, utilities, and transport are far more predictable — what changes a budget most is the apartment.

Cheap vs expensive areas in North Dakota

Most expensive
Fargo

Prime neighborhoods push 1BR rent to around $1,283/mo. Premium grocery prices, paid parking, and higher dining costs all compound.

More affordable
Bismarck

Smaller cities and suburbs typically run a 1BR around $713/mo — 25–40% below the metro centre, with cheaper groceries and shorter commutes.

Cost breakdown — at a glance

Housing (rent + insurance)
$950
34% of budget
Transportation
$456
16% of budget
Groceries
$399
14% of budget
Utilities & internet
$185
7% of budget
Healthcare
$304
11% of budget
Entertainment & dining
$209
8% of budget
Misc & personal
$266
10% of budget

Monthly budget by household

Typical totals in North Dakota for a single adult, a couple, and a family with kids.

Single adult
$2,769/mo

1-bedroom, modest urban lifestyle.

Couple, no kids
$3,894/mo

2-bedroom, shared groceries and transport.

Family (2 adults + kids)
$4,914/mo

2-bedroom, childcare, more food and healthcare.

Monthly budget — full table

Housing (rent + insurance)
$950
34%
Transportation
$456
16%
Groceries
$399
14%
Utilities & internet
$185
7%
Healthcare
$304
11%
Entertainment & dining
$209
8%
Misc & personal
$266
10%

Visual breakdown

Housing (rent + insurance)$950
Transportation$456
Groceries$399
Utilities & internet$185
Healthcare$304
Entertainment & dining$209
Misc & personal$266
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Salary needed to live here

Rule of thumb: you want take-home pay of at least $3,323/mo to live comfortably — roughly $53,000/year gross.

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Common questions

These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.