Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
North Dakota's overall cost of living index of 94.6 is slightly below the national baseline of 100, making it a modestly affordable state to live in.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 89 | 100 |
- •North Dakota's low electricity rates help offset above-average healthcare costs.
- •The state's cost of living is close to neighboring South Dakota's.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in North Dakota score 92 on the cost index, below the national baseline, thanks to affordable home values and rents.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 71.4 | 100 |
- •North Dakota housing costs are about 8% below the national average.
- •Energy-boom towns can see localized spikes in housing costs despite the statewide trend.
Utility Costs
North Dakota's utility cost index of 89 reflects some of the cheapest electricity rates in the country, at 10.3 cents per kWh.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Midwest region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU020072610).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 73.7 | 100 |
| Electricity rate (cents/kWh) | 10.3 | 16.5 |
- •North Dakota generates about 36% of its electricity from wind, among the top shares nationally.
- •The state exports roughly six times its own electricity consumption.
Food Costs
Food costs in North Dakota register at 98 on the cost index, nearly matching the national average despite the state's rural, agricultural economy.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAF1).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 95.7 | 100 |
- •North Dakota is a top producer of wheat, soybeans, and sunflowers, yet grocery prices track close to the national average.
- •Rural transport distances add modest costs to food distribution.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in North Dakota score 104 on the cost index, above the national average, partly reflecting rural care delivery challenges.
Medical care price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAM).
- •North Dakota's uninsured rate of 7.0% is below the national average of 8.0%.
- •Rural hospitals face higher per-patient costs due to low population density.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in North Dakota score 95 on the cost index, slightly below average, aided by short commute times and low congestion.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Midwest region (PADD 2), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R20_DPG).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.11 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
| Average commute (minutes) | 17.5 | 26.8 |
- •North Dakota ties South Dakota for the shortest average commute in the U.S.
- •Public transit use is under 1%, with most residents relying on personal vehicles.