📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Williston and Bismarck
Head-to-Head Analysis
Williston vs Bismarck
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Williston | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $84,309 | $75,846 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2% | 2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $345,000 | $300,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $151 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $837 | $848 |
| Housing Cost Index | 106.9 | 75.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.1 | 95.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 315.5 | 315.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26% | 40% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 23 |
AI Verdict: The Bottom Line
Both cities have a similar cost of living (within 5%).
You could earn significantly more in Williston (+11% median income).
Analysis based on current data snapshot. Individual results may vary.
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Moving from Williston to Bismarck: What You Need to Know
Deciding between Williston and Bismarck? This data-driven analysis breaks down the key differences in cost of living, housing, and quality of life to help you make the right choice.
1. Cost of Living Analysis
Bismarck is significantly 3.8% cheaper than Williston.
If you move to Bismarck, your paycheck will go further. This is primarily driven by differences in housing and taxation.
2. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor here. Bismarck offers much more affordable housing options.
The housing cost index in Williston is 106.9, compared to 75.8 in Bismarck.
3. Income Potential
The median household income in Williston is $84,309, while in Bismarck it is $75,846.
Workers in Williston typically earn 11.2% more. Be sure to balance this against the cost of living.
4. Safety
Statistically, Bismarck has a lower violent crime rate.
The Verdict
It's a classic trade-off: Bismarck is more affordable, while Williston may offer higher incomes or urban amenities. Your choice depends on your budget priorities.
Real move decision
If this comparison is tied to a job offer, do these next
Bismarck is the cheaper city, so a smaller headline offer may still work if housing, taxes, and monthly costs improve your real take-home pay.
Decode an offer in Bismarck
Use Offer Decoder to test whether moving from Williston to Bismarck actually improves your leftover cash after tax, rent, and benefits.
Build your counteroffer
Use the counteroffer guide when the package is close, but city costs or first-year move friction mean you still need more.
Set a walk-away number
Turn the salary gap and cost-of-living difference between Williston and Bismarck into a defensible negotiation target.
Follow the relocation workflow
Use the full guide if this comparison is part of a real job move, not just casual browsing.
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Williston to Bismarck.