Cost of Living in Watford City, ND - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $927 (excluding rent), and $2,538 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,872 (excluding rent), and $4,947 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.36 $19.36

$12.23 $12.23

$35.9 $35.9

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$74.7 $74.7

$49.77 $49.77

$124 $124

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.01 $11.01

$9.96 $9.96

$14.02 $14.02

Cappuccino

$5.17 $5.17

$3.55 $3.55

$8.13 $8.13

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.59 $2.59

$2.04 $2.04

$4.07 $4.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.46 $1.46

$2.91 $2.91

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.16 $6.16

$4.1 $4.1

$8.72 $8.72

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.15 $7.15

$5.11 $5.11

$10.21 $10.21

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.77 $0.77

$1.47 $1.47

White Bread (500g)

$3.5 $3.5

$2.14 $2.14

$5.49 $5.49

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.08 $2.08

$8.57 $8.57

Eggs

$4.11 $4.11

$1.96 $1.96

$6.84 $6.84

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.22 $12.22

$6.98 $6.98

$21.97 $21.97

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.43 $11.43

$6.09 $6.09

$19.72 $19.72

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.3 $15.3

$9.84 $9.84

$24.05 $24.05

Apples (1kg)

$4.79 $4.79

$2.5 $2.5

$8.61 $8.61

Banana (1kg)

$1.61 $1.61

$1.11 $1.11

$4.2 $4.2

Oranges (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.24 $2.24

$9 $9

Tomato (1kg)

$4.82 $4.82

$2.25 $2.25

$8.98 $8.98

Potato (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.36 $1.36

$6.32 $6.32

Onion (1kg)

$2.82 $2.82

$1.82 $1.82

$4.38 $4.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.36 $1.36

$2.93 $2.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.18 $1.18

$3.19 $3.19

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.67 $9.67

$8.07 $8.07

$12.11 $12.11

Wine (Bottle)

$13.6 $13.6

$8.55 $8.55

$20.89 $20.89

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.68 $1.68

$2.78 $2.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.34 $3.34

$1.59 $1.59

$5.96 $5.96

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.26 $1.26

$2.01 $2.01

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.6 $3.6

$3.09 $3.09

$5.14 $5.14

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.59 $1.59

$2.23 $2.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.93 $28.93

$26.17 $26.17

$34.69 $34.69

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.76 $0.76

$1 $1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.3K $29.3K

$23.5K $23.5K

$35.7K $35.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$25.3K $25.3K

$27.3K $27.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$187 $187

$119 $119

$341 $341

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.4 $53.4

$30.33 $30.33

$101 $101

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.9 $68.9

$50.8 $50.8

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.27 $42.27

$17.2 $17.2

$49.15 $49.15

Cinema Ticket

$13.41 $13.41

$10.92 $10.92

$17.88 $17.88

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,278 $1,278

$984 $984

$1,818 $1,818

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.6K $23.6K

$16.9K $16.9K

$27.4K $27.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.1 $52.1

$30.57 $30.57

$81.5 $81.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.42 $39.42

$24.64 $24.64

$64.1 $64.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88 $88

$60.9 $60.9

$132 $132

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$114 $114

$65 $65

$203 $203

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,591 $1,591

$1,191 $1,191

$1,844 $1,844

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,374 $1,374

$1,015 $1,015

$1,523 $1,523

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,591 $2,591

$1,970 $1,970

$2,955 $2,955

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,241 $2,241

$1,715 $1,715

$2,522 $2,522

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,930 $2,930

$2,149 $2,149

$2,930 $2,930

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,401 $2,401

$1,961 $1,961

$2,401 $2,401

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Watford City, ND - Frequently Asked Questions

Watford City offers practical value for those seeking a slower pace with affordable everyday goods, but it is not uniform across all categories. The Cost of Living in Watford City, ND, United States tends to be lower for groceries and utilities than major metropolitan hubs, yet housing can swing with seasonal demand and oil-field activity. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you will appreciate compact amenities, reasonable transport within town, and a walkable core. Plan for occasional longer drives for specialized services. Tip: keep a flexible housing plan and have a backup option if peak season fills available units.

Daily life here tends to center on a tight-knit town feel, with housing options that move quickly when seasonal demand spikes. The Watford City, ND, United States living cost is influenced by local jobs and amenities, so expect gradual changes rather than constant turnover. You will usually find practical grocery options, a few casual dine-out spots, and basic services within easy reach. Transportation is car-based, with limited public transit and occasional winter road considerations. For work or study, look for a comfortable coworking nook or a reliable cafe with outlets and steady wifi. Tip: map a short-term apartment or rental near essential services and a reliable internet point.

Quality of life in Watford City is about space, clear skies, and a slower tempo, with budgeting framed by seasonal shifts. A simple approach is a monthly category plan: housing, utilities, groceries, and transport; lean toward longer stays in shoulder seasons when costs ease, and be prepared for higher convenience costs during peak activity periods. Neighborhood fit matters: downtown cores offer walkability and quick errands, while quieter residential blocks provide steadier rental options and more parking. For savings, seek multi-use spaces for work and social life, buy in bulk at local markets, and bundle services when possible. Tip: build a flexible plan that adapts to seasonal changes and local rhythms.