City vs city
Bismarck, ND vs Iowa City, IA
- Rent is 10% lower in Bismarck (median $999/mo vs $1,094/mo in Iowa City).
- Homes cost 5% less in Iowa City ($286k vs $300k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $265 more a month after taxes and rent in Bismarck.
- Schools rate higher in Iowa City (7.8/10 vs 7/10).
- Iowa City has milder winters (23°F vs 13°F average).
| Bismarck | Iowa City | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $999/mo | $1,094/mo |
| Median home value | $300k | $286k |
| Median household income | $78k | $59k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $4,117 | $3,852 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Violent crime | 33% below the US rate | 28% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 85°F | 86°F |
| Winter average | 13°F | 23°F |
| Sunny days a year | 210 | 204 |
| Walk score | 59 | 31 |
| Population | 75,556 | 75,752 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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