City Comparison
Valley City vs Bismarck
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bismarck scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Valley City
Bismarck
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Valley City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Bismarck.
Housing costs are a major driver: Valley City's average rent is
26% lower than Bismarck's.
| Metric | Valley City | Bismarck | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,150 | -26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $180 | $170 | +6% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,740 | $1,850 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bismarck offers 19% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bismarck delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Valley City is estimated at
$42,000 vs $52,000 in Bismarck.
| Metric | Valley City | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $64,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 66,667 idx |
| Household Income | $60,339 | $76,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.3°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Valley City sees 1.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Valley City | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 43.40°F | 44.70°F |
| Summer High | 76.50°F | 78.30°F |
| Winter Low | 1.60°F | 3.90°F |
| Rainfall | 22.20 in | 29.60 in |
| Snowfall | 25.50 in | 24.30 in |
| Sunny Days | 283 | 279 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Valley City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Valley City | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bismarck is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Valley City.
From a growth perspective, Bismarck 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 | Valley City | Bismarck |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,430 | 74,131 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 38.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 2.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Valley City
Advantages
Median home property values remain highly accessible at roughly $162,200 per Census data, offering exceptional affordability for buyers.
Crime rates and overall safety profiles sit significantly lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment.
Average commute times are remarkably short at under 16 minutes per Data USA metrics, reducing daily travel stress.
Home to Valley City State University, providing local cultural events, continuing education, and community enrichment.
Surrounded by the scenic Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, offering abundant outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
Drawbacks
Harsh winter weather conditions bring severe low temperatures and winter snowfall totals that require winterized preparation.
Local employment options in niche professional fields are more limited compared to larger metropolitan job markets like Fargo.
Poverty rates hover around 16.7% according to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, indicating localized economic challenges.
Public transportation infrastructure is minimal, making car ownership an absolute necessity for daily life.
Specialized retail, entertainment, and major medical procedures require travel to regional urban centers.
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.
Valley City
#80North Dakota, USA
68.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
283/yr
Avg Temp
43.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
76
Business
67
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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