Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $804 in North Dakota versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,029 in North Dakota and $74,925 in Utah — about 12% higher in Utah. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
6.1%
+1.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
4.50%
+2.0 pp in Utah
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$804
$1,166
+45% in Utah
Median Home Value
$269,800
$495,700
+84% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$66,029
$74,925
+13% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
42.4°F
52.8°F
+10.4°F in Utah
North Dakota vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Utah?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 31% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Dakota than in Utah?
- 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 Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, North Dakota or Utah?
- North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in North Dakota/Utah — 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.