Moving from Albany to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$320/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9287
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,150
per month
State tax
6.9%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Albany lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Albany | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,826 |
| $50K | $47,283 |
| $60K | $56,739 |
| $75K | $70,924 |
| $80K | $75,652 |
| $100K | $94,565 |
| $120K | $113,478 |
| $150K | $141,848 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Albany vs Bismarck
| Expense | Albany | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $380 | $369 |
| Transport | $68 | $42 |
| Utilities | $185 | $152 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,211 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Albany?
Yes. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Albany to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Albany to Bismarck could save roughly $320/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,840/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Albany lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Albany, you'd need roughly $70,924/year in Bismarck. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Bismarck to AlbanyAlbany vs Bismarck — full comparisonAlbany cost of livingBismarck cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only