Moving from St. Louis to Bismarck (2026)
Bismarck has a COL index of 87 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Bismarck to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Bismarck |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,000 |
| $50K | $50,000 |
| $60K | $60,000 |
| $75K | $75,000 |
| $80K | $80,000 |
| $100K | $100,000 |
| $120K | $120,000 |
| $150K | $150,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Bismarck
| Expense | St. Louis | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,150 |
| Groceries | $369 | $369 |
| Transport | $75 | $42 |
| Utilities | $162 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $2,806 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck cheaper than St. Louis?
No. Bismarck has a cost of living index of 87 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Bismarck?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Bismarck could save roughly $188/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,256/year.
What salary do I need in Bismarck to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $75,000/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