Moving from Louisville to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 88 for Louisville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Louisville lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Louisville | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,545 |
| $50K | $49,432 |
| $60K | $59,318 |
| $75K | $74,148 |
| $80K | $79,091 |
| $100K | $98,864 |
| $120K | $118,636 |
| $150K | $148,295 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Louisville vs Bismarck
| Expense | Louisville | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,491 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $361 | $369 |
| Transport | $60 | $42 |
| Utilities | $162 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,548 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Louisville?
Yes. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 88 for Louisville (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Louisville to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Louisville to Bismarck could save roughly $165/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,980/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Louisville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Louisville, you'd need roughly $74,148/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