2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
West Des Moines, IA vs Bismarck, ND

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Bismarck or is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines?
- Bismarck is 9.9% more expensive than West Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, Bismarck or West Des Moines?
- Bismarck housing costs are 14.8% more expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in Bismarck.
- Health related expenses are 8.2% less in Bismarck.
 West Des Moines, IABismarck, NDUnited States
 Overall  Unlock95.2100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock94.0100
 Housing91.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$318,500$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.2100
 Miscellaneous112.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

   |    Reply

We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Des Moines

Reviews for Bismarck    14 Reviews

I have lived in many places throughout the U.S. I came here with my job and can't wait to leave. This city may be right for some people, but it's definitely not for  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in a small town about 45 minutes away from Bismarck and then moved to University of Mary 5 years ago and have lived in Bismarck ever since. I am still at  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

What is fun about Bismarck much anything around to go too ? such as lakes parks good fishing and other things resorts and casinos  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Bismarck


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.