For one person, living costs in Jamestown, ND are estimated at $2,578 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $37 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Jamestown, ND actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,578 monthly including rent, or $1,114 excluding housing.
$2,578 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,748 with rent, or $1,885 without housing.
$3,748 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,919 including rent, or $2,656 for daily expenses alone.
$4,919 /mo
📊
Jamestown, ND sits 73–89% above the global median across household types. Within North America, costs are 28% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$26.0K$26.0K
$25.5K$25.5K
$33.9K$33.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$30.0K$30.0K
$29.3K$29.3K
$30.9K$30.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$201$201
$136$136
$351$351
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$58.0$58.0
$29.93$29.93
$99.8$99.8
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$68.7$68.7
$49.16$49.16
$98.3$98.3
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$36.40$36.40
$13.65$13.65
$45.50$45.50
Cinema Ticket
$13.11$13.11
$11.24$11.24
$17.80$17.80
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$1,516$1,516
$1,221$1,221
$2,221$2,221
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$25.9K$25.9K
$19.4K$19.4K
$33.2K$33.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.2$52.2
$29.76$29.76
$79.4$79.4
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.82$42.82
$25.98$25.98
$67.6$67.6
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$89.8$89.8
$66.0$66.0
$137$137
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$102$102
$66.6$66.6
$160$160
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,533$1,533
$1,254$1,254
$1,767$1,767
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,263$1,263
$987$987
$1,480$1,480
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,517$2,517
$1,872$1,872
$2,972$2,972
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$2,062$2,062
$1,571$1,571
$2,454$2,454
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$3,240$3,240
$2,445$2,445
$3,240$3,240
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$2,060$2,060
$1,662$1,662
$2,060$2,060
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$3,079$3,079
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.57
6
7.58
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 25, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Jamestown, ND$2,578
Jamestown, ND$4,919
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.3K 49%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$379 14.7%
🍽Eating Out
$335 13%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$328 12.7%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$129 5%
🚌Getting Around
$82 3.2%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$63 2.4%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$2.1K 41.9%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$873 17.8%
🍽Eating Out
$1K 20.7%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$386 7.8%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$286 5.8%
🚌Getting Around
$168 3.4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$125 * 2.6%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $1,533 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,263 outside the center. At 50% of the average salary ($3,079), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $3,079, while typical expenses reach $2,578. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $3,867.
🛒Expect to spend about $379 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $67 for two – broadly in line with the North American average.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $62 per month – roughly in line with the North American average of $54.
Cost Highlights
⭐Milk is cheaper than 91% of cities in North America
⭐Jamestown, ND is more expensive than 84% of cities worldwide and 62% within North America.
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in Jamestown, ND - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jamestown, ND stack up for overall affordability and value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with many midsize U.S. towns, Jamestown offers a practical balance of housing, groceries, and services. The Cost of Living in Jamestown, ND tends to favor steadier budgets over flashy amenities, with straightforward options in both housing and daily essentials. You can expect modest rents, predictable utilities, and approachable dining and local services. The city’s size keeps commutes short and local transport practical for errands. Seasonal weather shapes what you buy and how you spend, but you’ll find affordable options for short-term stays, coworking, and social activities without the sticker shock you see in larger coastal hubs. Tip: Build a simple budget around core categories – housing, groceries, utilities, and transit – and leave room for seasonal needs and occasional leisure.
What daily life looks like in Jamestown, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Day-to-day life centers on practicality and community. You can choose from compact apartments near downtown or quiet houses in residential pockets a short drive away. For housing, long-term leases offer stability while seasonal demand can shift availability; use local rental sites and bulletin boards to compare options. Groceries and dining combine familiar national chains with regional spots where seasonal produce shines in summer. Transportation is workable for a smaller city: expect car use but bike-friendly routes and occasional bus routes that cover key corridors. Jamestown, ND living cost tends to be predictable, aiding your budgeting as you settle in. Tip: Start your search with local listings, visit neighborhoods at different times, and ask locals about commute times.
What quality of life strategies and budgeting approaches help you maximize your time in Jamestown, including seasonality, neighborhood fit, and savings tips?
Quality of life here relies on balancing pace with practicality. Map your days by season: heating in winter drives energy use, while summer brings longer daylight and outdoorsy activities. Neighborhood fit matters, with downtown keeping amenities within walking reach, while the quieter east or north sides suit families or remote workers who value serenity. Budgeting framework: track housing, utilities, groceries, and transport as separate lines, then set aside a small fund for gear like winter clothing or seasonal activities. Take advantage of free or low-cost community events, local libraries, and coworking spaces for flexible workdays. Tip: Pair a 6-8 week trial stay with a notes journal to adjust your plan as you settle.
How much of a salary does housing take in Jamestown, ND?
With 50% of the average paycheck going to rent, Jamestown, ND is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How much does it cost to live in Jamestown, ND per month?
Plan for roughly $2,578 a month in Jamestown, ND if you’re renting, or around $1,114 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person’s basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
Is the average income in Jamestown, ND enough to cover living costs and save?
At $3,079 take-home, most residents in Jamestown, ND can cover the $2,578 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,867 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Jamestown, ND?
Where you live in Jamestown, ND makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,533; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,263. Overall, the market runs from $1,263 to $1,533 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Jamestown, ND?
A monthly transit pass in Jamestown, ND goes for roughly $62, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Jamestown, ND?
Childcare averages $1,516 monthly at a private kindergarten in Jamestown, ND. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it’s essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Jamestown, ND?
Living on $2,500 in Jamestown, ND means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,578. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What is quality of life like in Jamestown, ND?
Living in Jamestown, ND means access to fast internet, low crime rates, clean air at about $2,578 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Jamestown, ND?
Monthly expenses in Jamestown, ND run around $2,578, so putting money aside takes more than $3,867 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Jamestown, ND vs other spots: cost of living compared