Bismarck vs Duluth
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Bismarck
Duluth
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 11.8%, with Duluth being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Bismarck has equivalent purchasing power to $67,105 in Duluth.
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 $67,105 in Duluth.
Conversely, $75,000 in Duluth equals $83,824 in Bismarck.
Living in Bismarck vs Duluth
Housing Costs
Bismarck's housing index of 90 is higher Duluth's 88, translating to median home prices of $348,000 vs $268,000. The $80,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,196 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Bismarck compared to $1,025/mo in Duluth, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Bismarck and 99 in Duluth. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Bismarck vs $470/month in Duluth. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 82 in Bismarck and 94 in Duluth. Monthly utility bills average approximately $328 in Bismarck vs $376 in Duluth. 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 123 in Duluth. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-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 $68,800 in Duluth. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $81,684 and $80,941 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 $1,605/month in Duluth. In Bismarck, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Duluth, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 20 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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