Cost of Living: Bismarck vs Anchorage (2026)
Bismarck has a 13% lower overall cost of living than Anchorage as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,150/mo in Bismarck vs $1,800/mo in Anchorage — a 36% difference. Anchorage has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Bismarck (2.5% rate).
- Bismarck is 13% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 100)
- 1BR rent: $1,150/mo in Bismarck vs $1,800/mo — 36% savings
- Anchorage has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Anchorage ($80,000/yr vs $60,000/yr)
- Median home price: $260,000 in Bismarck vs $400,000 — 35% difference
| Category | Bismarck North Dakota | Anchorage Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,150Best | $1,800 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,500Best | $2,450 |
| Median home price | $260KBest | $400K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 103 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $65 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42Best | $45 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05Best | $3.90 |
| Car insurance/mo | $140Best | $175 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $152Best | $165 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $90 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $60K | $80KBest |
| State income tax% | 2.5% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.8% | 1.8%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $45 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 100 |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 | 26Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Anchorage?
Yes. Bismarck is 13% cheaper than Anchorage based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 100, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Bismarck vs Anchorage?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Bismarck is $1,150/month and in Anchorage is $1,800/month. Bismarck is cheaper by 36%.
How much do I need to earn in Anchorage to match a $75,000 salary in Bismarck?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $86,207/year in Anchorage to match a $75,000 salary in Bismarck. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Bismarck or Anchorage?
Anchorage has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 2.5%. Anchorage has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Bismarck to Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Bismarck offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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