Native Americans lived in what is now North Dakota for centuries before Europeans arrived in the area.
Once Europeans arrived, rivalries between people from different countries erupted as each tried to get the best location in North Dakota for fur trading and the mercantile industry.
North Dakota became a state in 1889, which helped to bring about further development and migration to the state.
People who farmed their land saw major issues in the 1970s and the 1980s, which eventually contributed to a drop in land values.
The State Historical Society of North Dakota indicates that more people now live in towns and cities than in the rural areas of the state.
Some of the cheapest places to live in North Dakota are still agricultural communities, while others are thriving communities where people enjoy the unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
It is also where people choose to raise a family, live a single life, or enjoy their retirement years.
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Cheapest Places to Live in North Dakota
1. Beach
Beach, North Dakota has no beaches.
Things that the city does have include great schools, and low costs for essentials such as food, utilities, healthcare, and transportation.
The cost of housing is significantly lower than the national average and the average cost of housing in some other areas of the state of North Dakota.
The cost of buying a home in Beach, North Dakota is nearly 62 percent lower than the national average.
The cost of renting an apartment or a home in the city is lower than the national average and lower than the state average for renting a two-bedroom property.
2. Grafton
Grafton offers residents plenty of things to see and do, even though it is a smaller community, with fewer than 4,200 residents.
Go ice skating at one of the skating rinks, explore the scenery and wildlife, or visit Icelandic State Park.
Enjoy the Red River Valley area that features opportunities for camping, fishing, snowshoeing, or camping.
Residents appreciate the cultural attractions and the close-knit community.
The cost of living in the rural town of Grafton is lower than some other communities in the state.
Residents appreciate that the cost of a home in Grafton is much lower than the national average.
Renters who live in Grafton appreciate that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom property is 64 percent lower than the national average for a similar rental property.
3. Devils Lake
People who want to live in a small town with a population of under 7,300 residents and a low cost of living may want to consider moving to Devils Lake.
The town, located in the heart of North Dakota, is largely an agricultural community.
The town has a low unemployment rate and a low cost of living.
The cost of buying a home is around 77 percent lower than the national average.
The cost of renting a property is nearly 65 percent lower than the national average for a rental property.
4. Oakes
Live in a community that has a low cost of living and a rich history, including being founded as a stagecoach station and a railroad station.
Oakes is in the southeastern part of North Dakota and provides residents with plenty of outdoor recreation activities, and good shopping and dining options.
Residents of Oakes experience a lower cost of living compared to many other areas of North Dakota.
The cost of living in the town is also much lower when compared to the national average.
The median home price is an estimated 174 percent lower than the national average, while rental property costs are an estimated 64 percent lower than the national average.
5. Jamestown
Jamestown is an incorporated borough that is in Stutsman County.
It is home to the North Dakota State Fair & Expo Center and the World’s Largest Buffalo.
The historic buildings, the popular places to enjoy a meal, and shopping opportunities are some features that are appreciated by residents of Jamestown.
The more than 15,000 residents also appreciate that the cost of buying a home is significantly lower than the national average.
Rental costs are considerably lower than the national average.
Property taxes are also lower than the national average.
6. Valley City
Valley City has a vibrant downtown area, even though it is a small city.
The laid-back vibe of the city gives residents the perfect balance between the fun, yet peaceful features of living in a close-knit area.
There is no shortage of things to do since Valley City has more than 30 parks and a rich history of ranching and farming.
Residents enjoy the low cost of living in Valley City, where the cost of buying a home is an estimated 106 percent lower than the national average.
Renters appreciate the low cost of rent, which is nearly 50 percent below the national average.
7. Lisbon
Experience living near rolling farmlands and rolling prairies and enjoying year-round activities while living in Lisbon.
It is in the north-central part of North Dakota, where residents enjoy the national parks, the forests, snowmobiling, golfing, hunting, and fishing.
They also enjoy the rich culture, the history of the city, and dining opportunities.
Residents also enjoy living in one of the most affordable cities in the state.
The cost of buying a home in Lisbon is around 138 percent lower than the median cost of a home in the U.S.
The cost of renting in Lisbon is about 51 percent lower than the national average.
8. Stanley
Consider moving to Stanley, where the median income is nearly 30 percent higher than the national average and the cost of living is significantly lower than the national average.
Live in a breathtakingly beautiful area with prairies, hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities.
Explore Lake Sakakawea and the Theodore Roosevelt State Park.
The cost of renting a two-bedroom property in Stanley, North Dakota is around 25 percent lower than the national average.
The cost of purchasing a home is around 57 percent lower than the national average.
The low property taxes are another reason that some people choose to move to Stanley.
9. Langdon
Langdon, North Dakota is in the northern part of the state.
It is known for its plethora of outdoor activities and for being a vibrant, yet small community.
The town has a population of only about 2,500 residents, yet it hosts multiple festivals, art shows, and other activities.
The town of Langdon is one of the cheapest places to live in North Dakota because of its low taxes and the overall low cost of living.
People who move to Langdon can expect to purchase a home for around 132 percent lower than the national average.
Renters will find a rental property that averages around 64 percent lower than the national average.
10. Wahpeton
Wahpeton, North Dakota is located near the Minnesota border.
The town has a population of around 7,300 residents.
Local activities and amenities keep residents busy throughout the year.
They appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the local restaurants, movie theaters, parks, dining, shopping, and recreational options.
Residents who live in Wahpeton also appreciate the low cost of living in the town.
The cost of utilities, healthcare, and other services is lower than the national average.
The cost of housing in Wahpeton is also considerably lower than the national average.
The cost of buying a home is around 82 percent lower than the national average, while the cost of renting a two-bedroom home or apartment is about 64 percent lower than the national average.
North Dakota Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: North Dakota Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cost of living higher in the larger cities in North Dakota?
The cost of living in larger or more populous cities in North Dakota is often lower than the national average.
One example is that the cost of buying a home and the cost of a rental property is lower than the national average in Grand Forks, ND.
The cost of buying or renting a property in Minot is also lower than the national average.
What about the rankings for schools in North Dakota?
Schools in North Dakota have high rankings across multiple sites.
The high schools in the state have high graduation rates.
The schools in the state also have high test scores.
Is there a long commute time in North Dakota?
It may come as a surprise to many people that North Dakota has the shortest average commute time in the U.S.
It also ranks high on lists in the areas of transportation and fiscal stability.
