Moving from Fayetteville to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 84 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 4% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Fayetteville lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fayetteville | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,429 |
| $50K | $51,786 |
| $60K | $62,143 |
| $75K | $77,679 |
| $80K | $82,857 |
| $100K | $103,571 |
| $120K | $124,286 |
| $150K | $155,357 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fayetteville vs Bismarck
| Expense | Fayetteville | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $353 | $369 |
| Transport | $42 | $42 |
| Utilities | $148 | $152 |
| Internet | $58 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,658 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Fayetteville?
No. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 84 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). That's about 4% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Fayetteville to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fayetteville to Bismarck could save roughly $23/month on core expenses. That's ~$276/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 $77,679/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