Bismarck vs College Station

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Bismarck has the same purchasing power as $68,684 in College Station.

Conversely, $75,000 in College Station equals $81,897 in Bismarck.

Living in Bismarck vs College Station

Housing Costs

Bismarck's housing index of 90 is higher College Station's 82, translating to median home prices of $348,000 vs $314,000. The $34,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,208 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Bismarck compared to $1,075/mo in College Station, a monthly difference of $25.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 99 in Bismarck and 93 in College Station. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Bismarck vs $442/month in College Station. College Station offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 82 in Bismarck and 96 in College Station. Monthly utility bills average approximately $328 in Bismarck vs $384 in College Station. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 103 in Bismarck and 90 in College Station. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 13-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $77,600 in Bismarck and $50,900 in College Station. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $81,684 and $58,506 respectively. Bismarck residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,811/month to housing in Bismarck vs $1,188/month in College Station. In Bismarck, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In College Station, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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