Moving from Fayetteville to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 86 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Fayetteville lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fayetteville | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,465 |
| $50K | $50,581 |
| $60K | $60,698 |
| $75K | $75,872 |
| $80K | $80,930 |
| $100K | $101,163 |
| $120K | $121,395 |
| $150K | $151,744 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fayetteville vs Bismarck
| Expense | Fayetteville | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $361 | $369 |
| Transport | $42 | $42 |
| Utilities | $162 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,541 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Fayetteville?
No. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 86 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Fayetteville to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fayetteville to Bismarck could save roughly $147/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,764/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Fayetteville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fayetteville, you'd need roughly $75,872/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