Bismarck vs Des Moines for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Bismarck North Dakota | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $900Better | $950 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,500Better | $1,600 |
| Median home price | $260K | $255KBetter |
| Median household income | $60K | $62KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,131Better | $1,131 |
| State income tax | 2.5%Better | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.8%Better | 6.9% |
| Monthly utilities | $152Better | $155 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 97 | 96Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Bismarck or Des Moines?
Bismarck and Des Moines are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Bismarck vs Des Moines?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,500/month in Bismarck and $1,600/month in Des Moines. Bismarck is 6% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Bismarck or Des Moines?
The price-to-income ratio in Bismarck is 4.3× ($260K median home, $60K median income). In Des Moines it's 4.1× ($255K home, $62K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Des Moines is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Bismarck vs Des Moines?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,131/month in Bismarck and $1,131/month in Des Moines, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$0/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Bismarck has a 2.5% state income tax rate vs Des Moines's 5.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $320/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Bismarck has the same purchasing power as $100K in Des Moines
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026