Bismarck, ND Salary Guide: The Real Cost of Earning $100k

You see the six-figure salary offer. It looks solid. But in North Dakota, the gap between the gross number and the money hitting your bank account is defined by state-specific tax codes and a housing market that is heating up. We analyzed the math on a $100,000 salary to see how far it actually goes in the capital city.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s cut through the noise. A "six-figure" salary is a psychological benchmark, but it is not your spending power. In Bismarck, the government takes its share before you see a dime.

The Sticker Price:
$100,000 (Annual Gross)

The Deductions:

• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• North Dakota State Tax: -$4,500
• Local Tax: -$0

The Reality:

• Total Take Home Pay: $74,236
• Effective Tax Rate: 25.8%

The Analysis:
You lose nearly 26% of your income to taxes immediately. The North Dakota state tax is the differentiator here—it is not the "Zero Tax" haven of South Dakota or Texas, but it remains significantly lower than high-tax states like California or New York. However, that $4,500 state levy reduces your monthly purchasing power by $375.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net income of $6,186, the standard 50/30/20 budget rule offers a roadmap for financial health. In Bismarck, this income level provides a comfortable, but not lavish, lifestyle.

Needs ($3,093/month)

This bucket must cover rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• Rent Reality: The median rent for a one-bedroom in Bismarck hovers around $1,000–$1,200. Let’s budget $1,250 for a quality unit in a safe area.
• The Math: After rent, you have roughly $1,843 remaining for utilities ($200), car insurance ($150), gas ($200), and groceries ($500).
• Verdict: You can easily cover your essentials. You are not "house poor."

Wants ($1,856/month)

This is your discretionary spending.

• Allocation: Dining out, entertainment, gym memberships, and shopping.
• Bismarck Context: Entertainment in Bismarck is relatively affordable compared to major metros. $1,856 allows for frequent dining out and weekend trips without constant budget anxiety.

Savings ($1,237/month)

This is where wealth is built.

• The Power: Banking $1,237 monthly puts you on track to max out a Roth IRA ($7,000/year) and still have nearly $8,000 left for a brokerage account or emergency fund.
• Verdict: This is a strong savings rate. It allows for aggressive investment in the Bismarck market.

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Bismarck Taxes vs. The Competition

North Dakota’s tax burden is a game of perspective. It is "High" compared to tax-free states, but a bargain compared to the national average.

• Bismarck, ND: You keep $74,236.
  • State Tax Burden: Moderate.
• New York City, NY: On $100k, you keep roughly $64,000.
  • The Difference: NYC bleeds you dry with high state and city income taxes. Bismarck saves you roughly $10,000 a year in pure take-home pay compared to the Big Apple.
• Austin, TX: On $100k, you keep $76,000.
  • The Difference: Texas has no state income tax. Bismarck costs you about $1,700 more per year in taxes than Austin, but Bismarck often offers lower housing costs than booming Austin, potentially offsetting the tax difference.

Bottom Line: Bismarck sits in a "Goldilocks Zone"—moderate taxes, but significantly lower cost of living than high-tax coastal cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the income tax rate in Bismarck?

Bismarck residents pay Federal tax, FICA, and North Dakota State tax. The North Dakota state income tax is progressive, but for a $100,000 earner, the effective rate is roughly 4.5% ($4,500). There is no state-level "Bismarck City Tax."

Is $100k a good salary in Bismarck?

Yes. Earning $100,000 in Bismarck places you significantly above the median household income for the region. After taxes and the 50/30/20 budget allocation, you have over $6,000 in monthly net income, which provides a high degree of financial security and savings potential in North Dakota's cost environment.

Does Bismarck have a local city tax?

No. Based on the provided data, Bismarck does not levy a local city income tax on residents, unlike cities such as Philadelphia or Detroit. Your tax liability is limited to Federal and North Dakota State taxes.

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• Methodology: Calculations based on 2026 IRS Tax Tables (Standard Deduction), North Dakota State Tax Brackets, and FICA rates.
• Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Wage Data, State Comptroller Tax Schedules, and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).