City Comparison
West Fargo vs Bismarck
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Fargo scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
West Fargo
Bismarck
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bismarck is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in West Fargo.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Fargo's average rent is
48% higher than Bismarck's.
| Metric | West Fargo | Bismarck | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $1,150 | +48% |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 | -5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $170 | +6% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,620 | $1,850 | +42% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Fargo offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, West Fargo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in West Fargo is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in Bismarck.
| Metric | West Fargo | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $64,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,565 idx | 66,667 idx |
| Household Income | $90,665 | $76,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.1°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — West Fargo sees 6.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | West Fargo | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 44.60°F | 44.70°F |
| Summer High | 78.90°F | 78.30°F |
| Winter Low | 1.80°F | 3.90°F |
| Rainfall | 28.90 in | 29.60 in |
| Snowfall | 30.50 in | 24.30 in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | 279 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
West Fargo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, West Fargo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Fargo | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bismarck is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of West Fargo.
From a growth perspective, West Fargo is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Bismarck has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | West Fargo | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,027 | 74,131 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 33.3 | 38.5 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 2.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
West Fargo
Advantages
Median household income stands strong at $90,665, outperforming many regional peers per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Crime rates are well below the national average, ensuring a very secure environment for families per local safety reports.
Rapid population growth reflects high local satisfaction and strong economic vitality per municipal estimates.
A high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, fostering a skilled and progressive workforce.
Proximity to Fargo provides immediate access to major metropolitan amenities while maintaining a distinct suburban feel.
Drawbacks
Winters feature severe sub-zero temperatures and significant seasonal challenges based on local climate metrics.
High car dependency limits viable public transit alternatives for daily errands per demographic transit profiles.
Property tax rates in Cass County can be notable relative to overall home valuations per municipal tax data.
Seasonal weather extremes require higher home winterization and utility overhead costs.
Rental vacancy rates can tighten quickly during peak moving seasons due to high regional demand.
Bismarck
Advantages
Median home prices remain more affordable than the national average per recent regional housing reports.
Unemployment rates consistently track well below the national average due to a stable government and healthcare base.
Exceptional public safety with violent and property crime rates remaining significantly below national norms.
Short average commute times of under 20 minutes enhance daily work-life balance.
Abundant outdoor recreation access along the Missouri River and extensive local park systems.
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather brings prolonged freezing temperatures and significant snowfall that can disrupt travel.
Geographic isolation limits proximity to major metropolitan hubs and entertainment centers.
Limited public transit infrastructure makes owning a personal vehicle virtually mandatory.
Heating and utility costs spike during harsh winter months.
Air travel options from Bismarck Municipal Airport can involve layovers and higher ticket prices.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
West Fargo
#22North Dakota, USA
72.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,700
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
44.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
Bismarck
#65North Dakota, USA
69.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
279/yr
Avg Temp
44.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
78
Business
71
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