Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $804 in North Dakota versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,029 in North Dakota and $71,900 in Oregon — about 8% higher in Oregon. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
None
+5.0 pp in North Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
9.90%
+7.4 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$804
$1,080
+34% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$269,800
$435,400
+61% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$66,029
$71,900
+9% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
42.4°F
53.0°F
+10.6°F in Oregon
North Dakota vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Oregon?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 26% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Dakota than in Oregon?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $32,000 a year in North Dakota versus $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, North Dakota or Oregon?
- North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in North Dakota/Oregon — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.