North Dakota's Cost of Living Lower Than Most Western States

Economic Policy Institute data shows North Dakota's monthly costs are significantly lower than neighboring states and the national average.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:38am

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A vibrant abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent North Dakota's lower cost of living compared to other western states.New data shows North Dakota's affordability is a key advantage in attracting new residents and businesses.Grand Forks Today

According to data from the Economic Policy Institute, nearly all of North Dakota's counties have a lower average cost of living than the Twin Cities metro area, most of Montana, and other western states. The average monthly cost for a two-parent, two-child family in North Dakota is around $8,354, with only two counties exceeding $9,000 per month. This is considerably lower than the costs in many other states, making North Dakota an attractive option for those looking to relocate.

Why it matters

The lower cost of living in North Dakota is a key selling point for the state's tourism and economic development efforts. It helps attract new residents and businesses by offering a more affordable quality of life compared to other parts of the country. The data provides concrete evidence to support the state's ongoing 'Find the Good Life' talent attraction campaign.

The details

The Economic Policy Institute's 'family budget calculator' shows that across North Dakota, the average monthly cost of living for a two-parent, two-child family is around $8,354. Of the state's 53 counties, all but two have monthly costs less than $9,000. This is significantly lower than the costs in the Twin Cities metro area, which range from $9,761 to $12,073 per month, as well as most counties in Montana where over a dozen have rates of at least $10,000 per month.

  • The Economic Policy Institute data was compiled in 2026.
  • North Dakota's 'Find the Good Life' talent attraction campaign started in 2022.

The players

Economic Policy Institute

A national organization that provides comprehensive measures of economic security and living wage standards.

Emma Singleton

A 22-year-old who moved from Nashville to Grand Forks, North Dakota, citing the state's lower cost of living as a key factor in her decision.

Becca Cruger

The director of economic development with the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp., who helps promote the state's affordability and quality of life to potential new residents.

Sara Otte Coleman

North Dakota's director of tourism and marketing, who oversees the state's 'Find the Good Life' talent attraction initiative.

Todd Feland

The Grand Forks City Administrator, who notes the importance of comparing North Dakota's cost of living to the national average rather than just neighboring states.

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What they’re saying

“The family budget calculator is a stark reminder that many employers do not pay workers enough to meet their family's basic needs. Raising wages is a critical, but often overlooked, component of solving the affordability crisis.”

— Elise Gould, Senior Economist, Economic Policy Institute

“Many (prospects) cite affordability, a welcoming community feel and strong quality-of-life advantages as key reasons they are considering North Dakota.”

— Sara Otte Coleman, Director of Tourism and Marketing, North Dakota

“Right now, I live in a one-bedroom apartment. If I were to live in this exact same apartment in Tennessee, it probably would be $400 more (per month). I was doing the exact same job, doing the same schedule and the same rotation as a corrections officer in Tennessee and I'm making almost $10 more per hour here than I was down there.”

— Emma Singleton

What’s next

The state's 'Find the Good Life' talent attraction campaign will continue to highlight North Dakota's affordability and quality of life to potential new residents across the country.

The takeaway

North Dakota's significantly lower cost of living compared to other western states and the national average is a major competitive advantage that the state is actively leveraging to attract new residents, businesses, and economic development. This data reinforces the state's messaging around affordability, opportunity, and quality of life.