Moving from Fort Collins to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Fort Collins lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Collins | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,152 |
| $50K | $43,939 |
| $60K | $52,727 |
| $75K | $65,909 |
| $80K | $70,303 |
| $100K | $87,879 |
| $120K | $105,455 |
| $150K | $131,818 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Collins vs Bismarck
| Expense | Fort Collins | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $384 | $369 |
| Transport | $55 | $42 |
| Utilities | $140 | $152 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,122 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Fort Collins?
Yes. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Collins to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Collins to Bismarck could save roughly $566/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,792/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Fort Collins lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Collins, you'd need roughly $65,909/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