Moving from Bismarck to Scranton (2026)
Scranton has a COL index of 83 vs 87 for Bismarck (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$82/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8783
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,150$1,050
per month
State tax
2.5%3.1%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,547
per month
Salary needed in Scranton to match your Bismarck lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Bismarck | Equivalent in Scranton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,161 |
| $50K | $47,701 |
| $60K | $57,241 |
| $75K | $71,552 |
| $80K | $76,322 |
| $100K | $95,402 |
| $120K | $114,483 |
| $150K | $143,103 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Bismarck vs Scranton
| Expense | Bismarck | Scranton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,547 |
| 1BR rent | $1,150 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $369 | $361 |
| Transport | $42 | $58 |
| Utilities | $152 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,806 | $2,851 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Scranton cheaper than Bismarck?
Yes. Scranton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 87 for Bismarck (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Bismarck to Scranton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Bismarck to Scranton could save roughly $82/month on core expenses. That's ~$984/year.
What salary do I need in Scranton to match my Bismarck lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Bismarck, you'd need roughly $71,552/year in Scranton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Scranton to BismarckBismarck vs Scranton — full comparisonBismarck cost of livingScranton 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