Moving from Augusta to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 85 for Augusta (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Augusta lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Augusta | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,941 |
| $50K | $51,176 |
| $60K | $61,412 |
| $75K | $76,765 |
| $80K | $81,882 |
| $100K | $102,353 |
| $120K | $122,824 |
| $150K | $153,529 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Augusta vs Bismarck
| Expense | Augusta | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,397 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $353 | $369 |
| Transport | $42 | $42 |
| Utilities | $162 | $152 |
| Internet | $58 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,582 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Augusta?
No. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 85 for Augusta (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Augusta to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Augusta to Bismarck could save roughly $37/month on core expenses. That's ~$444/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Augusta lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Augusta, you'd need roughly $76,765/year in Bismarck. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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