Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $804 in North Dakota versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,029 in North Dakota and $67,043 in Texas — about 2% higher in Texas. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
6.25%
+1.3 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
None
+2.5 pp in North Dakota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$804
$1,170
+45% in Texas
Median Home Value
$269,800
$264,900
+2% in North Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$66,029
$67,043
+2% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
42.4°F
67.2°F
+24.8°F in Texas
North Dakota vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Texas?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 31% below Texas's $1,170, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Dakota than in Texas?
- 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 $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, North Dakota or Texas?
- North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/8 cities we track in North Dakota/Texas — 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.