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North Dakota's Cost of Living Lower Than Most Western States
Data shows North Dakota offers a more affordable quality of life compared to neighboring regions.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:38pm
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North Dakota's affordability emerges as a key advantage in attracting new residents and businesses to the state.Grand Forks TodayNew data from the Economic Policy Institute shows that 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, making the state 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.
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 lower cost of living compared to other western states provides a clear competitive advantage in attracting new residents and businesses, as evidenced by the concrete data from the Economic Policy Institute. This affordability is a key selling point that the state is actively promoting through its 'Find the Good Life' talent attraction initiative.
