Bismarck vs Memphis
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Bismarck
Memphis
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 13.1%, with Memphis being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Bismarck has equivalent purchasing power to $66,316 in Memphis.
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 $66,316 in Memphis.
Conversely, $75,000 in Memphis equals $84,821 in Bismarck.
Living in Bismarck vs Memphis
Housing Costs
Bismarck's housing index of 90 is higher Memphis's 63, translating to median home prices of $348,000 vs $155,000. The $193,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,540 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Bismarck compared to $1,000/mo in Memphis, a monthly difference of $100.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Bismarck and 93 in Memphis. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Bismarck vs $442/month in Memphis. Memphis 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 88 in Memphis. Monthly utility bills average approximately $328 in Bismarck vs $352 in Memphis. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 103 in Bismarck and 92 in Memphis. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-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 $41,228 in Memphis. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $81,684 and $49,081 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 $962/month in Memphis. In Bismarck, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Memphis, median rent of $1,000/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 27 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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