Affordable cost of living, a flourishing job market, and quality education have motivated more than 5,014 people to move to North Dakota. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of $259,916, ND can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Peace Garden State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Oakes and Devils Lake offer several budget-friendly options. While Oakes offers a cost of living 29% lower than the state average, the median home price in Devils Lake is $215,040.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, ND has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in North Dakota!
4 Reasons to live in North Dakota 🌻
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in North Dakota is ~$245K. But you can get houses between $126K and $208K in cities like Oakes, Jamestown, and Beulah.
- Tax Benefits: New property tax relief options are available for North Dakotans who are 65 or older (or have a permanent disability) and have an income of $70,000 or less.
- Affordable Utilities: Utilities in cities that are mentioned in this blog are up to 15.5% lower than the state average. In some cities, the average healthcare is even cheaper than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $600 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in North Dakota in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakes | $64,931 | $126,558 | 1,798 | 3.2% | 10.6% |
| Valley City | $52,224 | $160,064 | 6,566 | 3.7% | 16.4% |
| Jamestown | $53,389 | $175,801 | 15,754 | 4.0% | 14.9% |
| Beulah | $90,655 | $191,416 | 3,058 | 6.2% | 7.1% |
| Wahpeton | $51,417 | $198,340 | 8,014 | 3.5% | 18.3% |
| Devils Lake | $41,203 | $204,394 | 7,161 | 4.3% | 22.4% |
| Stanley | $101,351 | $208,303 | 2,321 | 4.6% | 5.4% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in ND
The annual population growth of 15.5% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to North Dakota. If you’re considering shifting to the Flickertail State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Oakes
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 29.1%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $126,558 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $620 |
| 🌅 Known For | Hockenberry Park |
Oakes is an affordable place to live in North Dakota. Its median house rent ranges from $400 – $1,000. It also offers affordable transportation which is 37.4% lower than the national average.
Oakes offers a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community. This makes it an ideal place for families and young professionals.
» Homes for Sale in Oakes, ND: Find your dream home in this city.
2. Valley City
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 24.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $160,064 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $695 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Barnes County Historical Society |
Valley City is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in North Dakota with an average home rent ranging from $395 – $1,250. It also offers affordable utilities which are 15.5% lower than the national average.
Nestled in the stunning Sheyenne River Valley, Valley City provides a scenic backdrop and a welcoming atmosphere. The city is known for its vibrant downtown area, providing residents with entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
» Homes for Sale in Valley City, ND: Browse thousands of property listings in Valley City.
3. Jamestown
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $175,801 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $781 |
| 🏖️ Known For | World’s Largest Buffalo Monument |
With rental costs below the national average, Jamestown stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in North Dakota. The house rent price is between $595 – $2,000.
Jamestown offers a high quality of life. The city has amenities like parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions.
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4. Beulah
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 18.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $191,416 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $650 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Pfennig Wildlife Museum |
Beulah offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $1,350 lower than the national median. With grocery costs being 0.8% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in North Dakota.
Beulah’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in America.
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5. Wahpeton
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 23.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $198,340 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $663 |
| 🎨 Known For | Chahinkapa Zoo |
Often referred to as the ‘Leaf Dwellers,’ Wahpeton’s cost of living is 13.8% lower than the state average. The transportation expenses are 39.4% lower than the national average.
Wahpeton is known for its rich cultural and heritage. The city is known for its traditions, historical significance, and festivals like Borderline Chalkfest and Wahpeton Fall Festival.
» Homes for Sale in Wahpeton, ND: Browse through thousands of properties in this cultural city.
6. Devils Lake
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $204,394 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $645 |
| 🏫 Known For | Lake Region Heritage Center |
The house rent in Devils Lake is between $565 – $1,350. With an average household income of $41,203, you can comfortably live in this city.
Devils Lake is a compelling real estate choice for home buyers. The annual cost for housing, food, health care, and other essentials for a single adult in Devils Lake is $33,986.
» Homes for Sale in Devils Lake, ND: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in North Dakota.
7. Stanley
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 17.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $208,303 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,400 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge |
Stanley is indeed one of the best places to live in North Dakota, with a slight year-over-year median home price decline of 2.2% in December 2023. The annual expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $3,448. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Stanley is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Living in the city offers a unique experience with its cozy and welcoming small-town atmosphere. Residents enjoy friendly interactions and a sense of community.
» Homes for Sale in Stanley, ND: Get yourself a home in Stanley.
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The Bottom Line
The cost of living in North Dakota is 4% lower than the national average. Nevertheless, It is still home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to North Dakota, you can find affordable housing in cities like Oakes, Valley City, and Jamestown.
Cities like Wahpeton and Devils Lake have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with North Dakota’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in ND Under Your Specific Budget
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in North Dakota, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in North Dakota?
The cheapest place to live in North Dakota is Oakes. It offers affordable transportation, which is 39.4% lower than the national average.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in North Dakota: Find out the other cheapest places to live in North Dakota!
Is North Dakota the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $245,182. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
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