Grand Forks, ND

Very Low · 72

North Dakota · Population 58,882 · Updated March 2026

$958
Median Rent / Month
$63,838
Median Income
$243,300
Median Home Value
$1,035
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Grand Forks

18.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Dakota

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

2.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.0%
Sales Tax
0.98%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$11,496
Annual Rent
$1,596
State Income Tax
$2,384
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Grand Forks is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 72 (where 100 equals the national median), Grand Forks residents can expect to pay median rent of $958/month while earning a median household income of $63,838/year.

The median home value in Grand Forks, ND is $243,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,035 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Dakota has a moderate income tax rate of 2.5%. Combined with a 5.0% sales tax rate and 0.98% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Grand Forks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Grand Forks

What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND?
The cost of living index in Grand Forks, ND is 72 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $958, median household income is $63,838/year, and the median home value is $243,300.
Is Grand Forks, ND affordable?
Yes, Grand Forks is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 72. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Grand Forks, ND?
The median gross rent in Grand Forks, ND is $958 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,496.
What is the median household income in Grand Forks?
The median household income in Grand Forks, ND is $63,838 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Dakota?
North Dakota has a top income tax rate of 2.5%, a sales tax of 5.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.98%.