Cost of Living: Bismarck vs South Bend (2026)
South Bend has a 6% lower overall cost of living than Bismarck as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in South Bend vs $1,150/mo in Bismarck — a 10% difference.
- South Bend is 6% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 82)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in South Bend vs $1,150/mo — 9% savings
- Higher median household income: Bismarck ($60,000/yr vs $47,000/yr)
- Median home price: $195,000 in South Bend vs $260,000 — 25% difference
| Category | Bismarck North Dakota | South Bend Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900 | $850Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,150 | $1,050Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,500 | $1,400Best |
| Median home price | $260K | $195KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 97 | 93Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 | $11Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50 | $46Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42Best | $42 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $140Best | $140 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $152Best | $155 |
| Internet/mo | $65 | $58Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $60KBest | $47K |
| State income tax% | 2.5%Best | 3.2% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.8%Best | 7.0% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33 | $30Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00 | $4.50Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87 | 82Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 | 32Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than South Bend?
No. South Bend is 6% cheaper than Bismarck based on overall cost of living indices (82 vs 87, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Bismarck vs South Bend?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Bismarck is $1,150/month and in South Bend is $1,050/month. Bismarck is more expensive by 10%.
How much do I need to earn in South Bend to match a $75,000 salary in Bismarck?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $70,690/year in South Bend 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 South Bend?
Bismarck has the lower state income tax rate at 2.5% vs 3.2%. The difference is 0.7 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Bismarck to South Bend?
It depends on your priorities. South Bend offers lower overall costs, 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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