North Dakota vs Utah Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$82,327
in North Dakota
$75,377
in Utah
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | North Dakota | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 75.7 | 108.8 | -30% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 96.9 | 0% |
| Utilities | 83.2 | 82.4 | +1% |
| Transportation | 99.9 | 104.1 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 108.8 | 90.9 | +20% |
| Dining & Misc | 99.2 | 96.9 | +2% |
| Overall | 91.1 | 99.5 | -8% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Dakota.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Dakota | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $255,000 | $480,000 | $225,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,060/mo | $1,523/mo | $463 |
| Gas price | $3.08/gal | $3.40/gal | $0.32 |
| Electric bill | $70/mo | $88/mo | $18 |
| Infant childcare | $12,373/yr | $13,094/yr | $721 |
Salary equivalent: North Dakota → Utah
What a North Dakota salary buys you in Utah, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Dakota | Equivalent in Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,610 | $-4,610 |
| $75,000 | $81,915 | $-6,915 |
| $100,000 | $109,221 | $-9,221 |
| $150,000 | $163,831 | $-13,831 |
| $200,000 | $218,441 | $-18,441 |
Positive = your money goes further in Utah. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Utah is 8% more expensive than North Dakota overall. Utah has an index of 99.5 vs 91.1 for North Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Utah?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Utah is 8% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $255,000 in North Dakota vs $480,000 in Utah.
Is North Dakota cheaper than Utah?
Yes, North Dakota is 8% cheaper than Utah overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Utah more expensive than North Dakota?
Yes, Utah is 8% more expensive than North Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Utah equals $100,000 in North Dakota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Dakota, you would need approximately $109,221 in Utah. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.1 vs 99.5).
How do housing costs compare between North Dakota and Utah?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Dakota. Median home prices are $255,000 in North Dakota vs $480,000 in Utah — a $225,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,060/mo vs $1,523/mo.
What costs more in North Dakota vs Utah?
Housing is 30% lower in North Dakota (index 75.7 vs 108.8). Healthcare is 20% higher in North Dakota (index 108.8 vs 90.9). Transportation is 4% lower in North Dakota (index 99.9 vs 104.1).
Is gas cheaper in North Dakota or Utah?
Gas averages $3.08/gallon in North Dakota and $3.40/gallon in Utah — a $0.32 difference per gallon.
North Dakota vs Utah cost of living — how do they compare?
North Dakota has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.1 and Utah has 99.5 (national average = 100). Utah is 8% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Utah?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. North Dakota has a progressive income tax with very low rates, topping out at 2.50%. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.65%, applied uniformly to all taxable income. Use the North Dakota vs Utah paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in North Dakota and Utah?
North Dakota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Utah requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- North Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Utah Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Dakota vs Utah Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Utah — How much house can you afford?
- North Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Utah Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- North Dakota Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Utah Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- North Dakota Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Utah Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.