CostIndexUSA

Bismarck, ND vs Jonesboro, AR Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

ND
Bismarck
91
overall index
$1,300/mo rent
More AffordableAR
Jonesboro
85.9
overall index
$1,325/mo rent

Jonesboro is moderately cheaper than Bismarck — 5.6% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Bismarck, you would need $75,500 in Jonesboro. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing36.0%
Bismarck
84
Jonesboro
53.8
🛒 Groceries2.2%
Bismarck
95.7
Jonesboro
93.6
🚗 Transportation+4.6%
Bismarck
95.7
Jonesboro
100.1
🏥 Healthcare+4.5%
Bismarck
86.6
Jonesboro
90.5
Utilities≈ Equal
Bismarck
75
Jonesboro
75

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Bismarck to see what you'd need to earn in Jonesboro to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Jonesboro, AR
$75,500
$4,500 less needed in Jonesboro

Formula: salary × (85.9 ÷ 91) = salary × 0.9440. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Bismarck, ND

Median Home Price
$339,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,300
Housing Index
84
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.7×

Jonesboro, AR

Median Home Price
$196,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,325
Housing Index
53.8
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3×

Bismarck has 36.0% lower housing costs compared to Jonesboro.

Income & Job Market

Bismarck, ND

Median Household Income
$83,400
Per Capita Income
$47,500
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
Population
73,529
Top Industries
GovernmentEnergyHealthcareFinanceAgriculture

Jonesboro, AR

Median Household Income
$58,600
Per Capita Income
$33,400
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Population
77,678
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingRetailAgriculture

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Bismarck, ND
5.3×income-to-rent ratio

81% of income left after rent (median)

Jonesboro, AR
3.7×income-to-rent ratio

73% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.