North Dakota Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 53 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$770/mo
Average Home Value
$168,606
Average Owner Cost
$766/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in North Dakota: An Overview
The median rent in North Dakota is $770 per month, which is 34% below the national median of $1,163. This makes the state relatively affordable compared to much of the country.
Within North Dakota, housing costs vary significantly by county. McKenzie County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,153 per month and a median home value of $357,300. At the other end of the spectrum, Sheridan County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $373 per month and homes valued at a median of $107,700.
The average home value across North Dakota counties is $168,606, 40% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $72,537, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to North Dakota, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in North Dakota
How median rents are spread across 53 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All North Dakota Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKenzie County | Moderate$1,153/mo | $357,300 | $1,151/mo | 19.0% |
| Williams County | Moderate$1,108/mo | $267,800 | $991/mo | 23.0% |
| Divide County | Moderate$1,064/mo | $173,100 | $604/mo | 13.0% |
| Mercer County | Moderate$1,043/mo | $196,200 | $794/mo | 29.0% |
| Morton County | Moderate$1,036/mo | $249,600 | $1,193/mo | 25.0% |
| Ward County | Moderate$1,000/mo | $259,100 | $1,228/mo | 23.0% |
| Burleigh County | Affordable$996/mo | $314,700 | $1,174/mo | 24.0% |
| Grand Forks County | Affordable$971/mo | $244,200 | $1,229/mo | 27.0% |
| Stark County | Affordable$966/mo | $260,400 | $1,211/mo | 26.0% |
| Dunn County | Affordable$941/mo | $244,000 | $789/mo | 17.0% |
| Cass County | Affordable$930/mo | $284,700 | $1,440/mo | 25.0% |
| Bowman County | Affordable$869/mo | $176,400 | $730/mo | 19.0% |
| Mountrail County | Affordable$864/mo | $222,200 | $627/mo | 18.0% |
| Cavalier County | Affordable$859/mo | $122,300 | $774/mo | 28.0% |
| Golden Valley County | Affordable$856/mo | $119,200 | $525/mo | 20.0% |
| Kidder County | Affordable$847/mo | $138,500 | $525/mo | 24.0% |
| Logan County | Affordable$847/mo | $101,800 | $633/mo | 29.0% |
| Renville County | Affordable$846/mo | $163,400 | $819/mo | 24.0% |
| Sargent County | Affordable$835/mo | $149,600 | $805/mo | 21.0% |
| Hettinger County | Affordable$830/mo | $110,900 | $618/mo | 21.0% |
| Pierce County | Affordable$807/mo | $143,400 | $701/mo | 26.0% |
| Barnes County | Affordable$779/mo | $168,100 | $844/mo | 24.0% |
| McLean County | Affordable$768/mo | $233,100 | $831/mo | 21.0% |
| Walsh County | Affordable$766/mo | $125,700 | $692/mo | 22.0% |
| Bottineau County | Affordable$763/mo | $190,900 | $739/mo | 20.0% |
| Traill County | Affordable$758/mo | $193,200 | $986/mo | 21.0% |
| Foster County | Affordable$756/mo | $162,800 | $788/mo | 31.0% |
| Richland County | Affordable$751/mo | $177,600 | $807/mo | 23.0% |
| Dickey County | Affordable$749/mo | $167,100 | $833/mo | 25.0% |
| Stutsman County | Affordable$742/mo | $200,300 | $843/mo | 26.0% |
| McHenry County | Affordable$737/mo | $143,200 | $712/mo | 17.0% |
| Burke County | Affordable$725/mo | $141,900 | $663/mo | 15.0% |
| Oliver County | Affordable$725/mo | $217,000 | $782/mo | 21.0% |
| Slope County | Affordable$719/mo | $121,300 | $509/mo | 26.0% |
| Towner County | Affordable$719/mo | $122,800 | $643/mo | 22.0% |
| Ransom County | Affordable$710/mo | $174,800 | $872/mo | 22.0% |
| Pembina County | Affordable$692/mo | $116,600 | $593/mo | 22.0% |
| Ramsey County | Affordable$687/mo | $197,400 | $809/mo | 24.0% |
| Grant County | Affordable$650/mo | $85,800 | $590/mo | 32.0% |
| Billings County | Affordable$630/mo | $322,500 | $838/mo | 12.0% |
| Steele County | Affordable$630/mo | $120,400 | $661/mo | 17.0% |
| Wells County | Affordable$630/mo | $106,400 | $644/mo | 27.0% |
| Benson County | Affordable$616/mo | $83,100 | $572/mo | 16.0% |
| Eddy County | Affordable$615/mo | $115,500 | $613/mo | 17.0% |
| LaMoure County | Affordable$607/mo | $118,000 | $692/mo | 22.0% |
| Griggs County | Affordable$606/mo | $128,200 | $660/mo | 17.0% |
| McIntosh County | Affordable$600/mo | $80,300 | $489/mo | 25.0% |
| Nelson County | Affordable$593/mo | $114,500 | $655/mo | 17.0% |
| Emmons County | Affordable$551/mo | $112,400 | $576/mo | 30.0% |
| Adams County | Affordable$545/mo | $108,300 | $585/mo | 22.0% |
| Rolette County | Affordable$479/mo | $93,000 | $553/mo | 17.0% |
| Sioux County | Affordable$466/mo | $87,400 | $438/mo | 21.0% |
| Sheridan County | Affordable$373/mo | $107,700 | $543/mo | 17.0% |
Compare North Dakota to Other States
See how North Dakota counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in North Dakota?
What is the most expensive county to live in North Dakota?
How does North Dakota's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in North Dakota?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.