Moving from Portland to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,840 |
| $50K | $34,800 |
| $60K | $41,760 |
| $75K | $52,200 |
| $80K | $55,680 |
| $100K | $69,600 |
| $120K | $83,520 |
| $150K | $104,400 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Bismarck
| Expense | Portland | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $407 | $369 |
| Transport | $100 | $42 |
| Utilities | $130 | $152 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Bismarck could save roughly $824/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,888/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $52,200/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