Assisted living in North Dakota costs approximately $4,729 per month on average (about $56,748 annually), based on statewide pricing trends and the standardized range-based modeling framework used across SeniorCareCostGuide. This places North Dakota significantly below the national median of $6,200 — making it one of the more affordable states for assisted living in the country.
Notably, the CareScout 2025 median of $4,729 reflects a decrease from prior data which showed the statewide median near $5,200 — a decline of approximately $471 per month or $5,652 per year. This favorable shift, similar to what we’ve observed in Mississippi and South Dakota, means North Dakota families will find assisted living more affordable than prior estimates suggested.
Pricing varies across the state. Fargo and Bismarck frequently exceed the statewide median due to population concentration and regional healthcare infrastructure, while smaller western and central communities offer the most moderate pricing in the state.
Families comparing regional pricing may also want to review assisted living costs in Minnesota and South Dakota.
North Dakota Assisted Living Cost Snapshot (2026)
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Statewide Median | ~$4,729/mo |
| Annual Equivalent | ~$56,748 |
| Lowest Major Markets | Williston, Jamestown, Mandan |
| Highest Major Markets | Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks |
| Compared to National Median | Significantly Lower |
| Most Comparable States | South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska |
On This Page
- Average assisted living cost in North Dakota
- North Dakota monthly pricing
- City-by-city assisted living costs
- Regional cost patterns
- Medicaid coverage in North Dakota
- North Dakota vs other states
- Long-term cost planning
- How to compare North Dakota communities
How North Dakota Assisted Living Costs Compare Nationally
North Dakota’s assisted living median of approximately $4,729 per month falls below the national median of $6,200 by nearly $1,471 per month — positioning North Dakota as one of the more affordable states in the country.
The CareScout 2025 data reflects a decrease from prior data which showed the statewide median near $5,200 — a decline of approximately $471 per month. This favorable development means North Dakota families will find assisted living more affordable than prior data suggested.
One notable data point: North Dakota’s nursing home semi-private room median of $11,528 per month (CareScout 2025) is more than double the assisted living median of $4,729 — one of the widest gaps in the country. For families weighing care options, assisted living is a dramatically more cost-effective choice in North Dakota.
For a broader benchmark, see our guide to the national average assisted living cost.
What Is the Average Cost of Assisted Living in North Dakota?
The CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey reports North Dakota’s assisted living median at approximately $56,748 per year, about $4,729 per month.
Estimated Annual Cost
At $4,729/month:
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $56,748 |
| 3 Years | $170,244 |
| 5 Years | $283,740 |
These projections do not account for annual rate increases, which typically range between 3% and 7%.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Per Month in North Dakota?
Most assisted living communities in North Dakota charge between $3,800 and $5,650 per month, with a statewide median near $4,729 per month.
Monthly pricing varies by city, care level, and community type. Fargo and Bismarck tend toward the higher end of the statewide range, while smaller western and northern communities offer more moderate pricing.
Assisted Living Costs by City in North Dakota
North Dakota’s regional economic differences create measurable pricing variation. The figures below reflect planning ranges consistent with the statewide median of approximately $4,729 per month.
| City | Low Range | High Range | Estimated Median | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $4,050 | $5,450+ | ~$4,750 | ~$57,000+ |
| Bismarck | $3,850 | $5,250+ | ~$4,550 | ~$54,600+ |
| Grand Forks | $3,700 | $5,000+ | ~$4,350 | ~$52,200+ |
| Minot | $3,600 | $4,900+ | ~$4,250 | ~$51,000+ |
| West Fargo | $3,600 | $4,900+ | ~$4,250 | ~$51,000+ |
| Dickinson | $3,550 | $4,850+ | ~$4,200 | ~$50,400+ |
| Mandan | $3,500 | $4,700+ | ~$4,100 | ~$49,200+ |
| Jamestown | $3,400 | $4,600+ | ~$4,000 | ~$48,000+ |
| Williston | $3,300 | $4,500+ | ~$3,900 | ~$46,800+ |
Fargo and Bismarck reflect the highest assisted living pricing due to population concentration and healthcare infrastructure. Williston and Jamestown offer the most moderate entry-level pricing in the state.
Highest and Lowest Assisted Living Costs in North Dakota
Highest-Cost North Dakota Markets
- Fargo — The most expensive major market, reflecting North Dakota’s largest city with Sanford Health and Essentia Health anchoring the strongest regional healthcare infrastructure.
- Bismarck — State capital pricing supported by government employment and CHI St. Alexius Health’s regional healthcare network.
- Grand Forks — University of North Dakota and Altru Health System support stable senior housing demand at near-median pricing.
More Affordable North Dakota Markets
- Williston — Generally the most moderate pricing among major North Dakota cities, reflecting western North Dakota’s lower population density.
- Jamestown — Central North Dakota market offers below-median pricing with more limited facility competition.
- Mandan — Bismarck suburb with more moderate pricing than the capital city itself.
Regional Assisted Living Cost Patterns in North Dakota
Eastern North Dakota (Fargo, Grand Forks, West Fargo)
Pricing: $3,600 to $5,450+ per month
Eastern North Dakota consistently reflects the highest assisted living pricing in the state. Fargo and Grand Forks benefit from the strongest healthcare infrastructure in North Dakota, with Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and Altru Health System all anchoring regional demand.
Central North Dakota (Bismarck, Mandan, Jamestown)
Pricing: $3,400 to $5,250+ per month
Central North Dakota markets reflect pricing near or below the statewide median. Bismarck’s state capital employment and CHI St. Alexius Health support stable demand at near-median pricing. Mandan and Jamestown offer more moderate options.
Northern and Western North Dakota (Minot, Dickinson, Williston)
Pricing: $3,300 to $4,900+ per month
Northern and western North Dakota generally offer the most moderate assisted living pricing in the state. Energy industry employment in Dickinson and Williston has historically driven above-average wages but smaller senior housing markets. Minot reflects moderate pricing with Trinity Health anchoring regional healthcare.
North Dakota Senior Housing Market Trends (2026)
Costs Have Decreased from Prior Estimates: North Dakota’s CareScout 2025 median of $4,729 reflects a meaningful decrease from prior data which showed the statewide median near $5,200 — a decline of approximately $471 per month or $5,652 per year. Families who previously budgeted at $5,200 will find assisted living more affordable than expected.
Extraordinary Nursing Home vs Assisted Living Gap: North Dakota’s nursing home semi-private room median of $11,528 per month is more than double the assisted living median of $4,729 — one of the widest gaps nationally. For families weighing care options, assisted living is a dramatically more cost-effective alternative for seniors who don’t require skilled nursing supervision.
Energy Sector Influences Western Market Dynamics: North Dakota’s oil and gas sector, particularly in the western Bakken region, has historically driven higher wages in communities like Williston and Dickinson. While this affects overall labor costs, the smaller senior housing markets in these communities still reflect below-median assisted living pricing.
Annual Rate Increases Consistent with Northern Plains Trends: Annual assisted living rate increases across North Dakota typically range between 3% and 7%, consistent with broader Northern Plains trends.
What Does Assisted Living Typically Include in North Dakota?
Assisted living communities in North Dakota generally structure pricing into a base monthly rate plus additional care-related fees.
Typically Included in Base Monthly Cost
- Private or semi-private accommodations
- Meals and dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Utilities
- Scheduled transportation
- Social and recreational programming
- Basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Often Billed Separately
- Medication administration
- Higher levels of personal care
- Memory care services
- One-time move-in or community fees
- Specialized therapies or health monitoring
Communities frequently use tiered care models. As a resident’s health needs increase, monthly charges rise accordingly.
Assisted Living vs Other Care Options in North Dakota
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | ~$4,729 | Moderate daily support |
| Memory Care | ~$6,000 to $7,500 | Dementia or Alzheimer’s care |
| Nursing Home | ~$11,528 to $12,304/mo | Skilled medical supervision or 24/7 nursing care |
| Home Care | ~$6,483/mo | Aging in place with part-time support |
North Dakota’s nursing home semi-private room median of $11,528 per month (CareScout 2025) is more than double the assisted living median — making assisted living a dramatically more cost-effective option. Home care at $6,483 per month exceeds assisted living by $1,754 per month on a standard hours basis.
What Affects Assisted Living Costs in North Dakota?
- Location: Fargo and Bismarck command higher rates due to healthcare infrastructure, population concentration, and stronger demand.
- Level of Care Required: Increased assistance raises monthly costs as residents transition to higher care tiers.
- Private vs. Shared Units: Private apartments typically cost more than shared accommodations.
- Memory Care: Specialized staffing and secure environments increase pricing.
- Energy Sector: Western North Dakota’s oil economy influences regional labor market dynamics.
- Regulatory Environment: North Dakota assisted living communities are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, with staffing standards contributing to operating costs.
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in North Dakota?
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living costs.
North Dakota Medicaid may provide limited assistance through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. These programs help eligible seniors receive care services in community settings rather than institutional facilities.
Important considerations:
- Coverage applies primarily to approved personal care and support services
- Room and board costs are generally the resident’s financial responsibility
- Income and asset limits apply
- Functional eligibility criteria must be met
- Waiting lists may apply depending on program funding
Families should confirm current eligibility requirements directly with North Dakota Medicaid or consult a qualified elder law advisor before making financial decisions.
How North Dakota Assisted Living Costs Compare to Other States
North Dakota’s median of $4,729/mo is well below the national median and one of the more affordable options in the Northern Plains region.
| State | Estimated Monthly Median | Relative to North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | ~$4,729 | — |
| Minnesota | ~$6,573 | Significantly Higher |
| South Dakota | ~$4,900 | Slightly Higher |
| Montana | ~$6,075 | Higher |
| Iowa | ~$5,381 | Higher |
| Wisconsin | ~$6,540 | Significantly Higher |
North Dakota is less expensive than all neighboring states. South Dakota ($4,900/mo) is the most comparable neighboring market.
Compare North Dakota Assisted Living Costs to Nearby States
- Minnesota Assisted Living Costs
- South Dakota Assisted Living Costs
- Montana Assisted Living Costs
- Iowa Assisted Living Costs
- Nebraska Assisted Living Costs
Long-Term Cost Planning in North Dakota
Assisted living should be evaluated as a multi-year financial commitment. At $4,729 per month with a 5% annual increase, projected costs may look like:
| Year | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4,729/month |
| Year 2 | $4,965/month |
| Year 3 | $5,214/month |
| Year 4 | $5,474/month |
| Year 5 | $5,748/month |
Over five years, cumulative spending may exceed $313,000, excluding additional care needs or care level transitions.
How to Plan for Assisted Living Costs in North Dakota
Common financial strategies families use to fund assisted living in North Dakota include:
- Home sale proceeds
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans benefits (Aid and Attendance program)
- Retirement income and savings
- Bridge financing
Who North Dakota Assisted Living May Be Best Suited For
North Dakota assisted living may appeal most to:
- Seniors with established community and family ties in North Dakota who wish to remain close to home
- Families seeking access to Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and CHI St. Alexius Health systems
- Retirees comparing North Dakota with neighboring Minnesota as a significantly lower-cost Northern Plains alternative
- Families noting the extraordinary nursing home cost premium — at more than double the assisted living median, North Dakota makes a compelling case for assisted living over nursing home care
How to Compare Assisted Living Communities in North Dakota
Because pricing structures vary across North Dakota, families should request a detailed fee schedule from each community under consideration.
When comparing communities, consider:
- What level of care is included in the base rate
- How care levels are assessed and priced over time
- Whether annual rate increases are capped or discretionary
- Staffing ratios and caregiver training standards
- Proximity to hospitals and specialty healthcare providers
- Contract structure (month-to-month vs. long-term agreements)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost per month in North Dakota?
Most assisted living communities in North Dakota range between $3,800 and $5,650 per month, with a statewide median near $4,729 per month based on the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey.
Have assisted living costs in North Dakota gone down?
Yes. The CareScout 2025 median of $4,729 reflects a decrease from prior data which showed the statewide median near $5,200 — a decline of approximately $471 per month or $5,652 per year. Families who previously budgeted at higher levels will find assisted living more affordable than expected.
How does the nursing home cost compare to assisted living in North Dakota?
North Dakota’s nursing home semi-private room median of $11,528 per month is more than double the assisted living median of $4,729 — one of the widest gaps nationally. For families weighing care options, assisted living is a dramatically more cost-effective choice.
What is the most expensive city in North Dakota for assisted living?
Fargo consistently reflects the highest assisted living pricing, with communities frequently ranging between $4,050 and $5,450+ per month.
Are assisted living costs in North Dakota increasing each year?
Most communities implement annual rate increases between 3% and 7%, consistent with Northern Plains trends. The 2025 CareScout data shows a decrease from prior figures, so families should factor ongoing annual increases from this new lower baseline into their planning.
Can Medicaid help pay for assisted living in North Dakota?
North Dakota Medicaid may provide limited assistance through HCBS programs, though room and board costs are generally not covered. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and demonstrated care needs. Families should confirm current program details with North Dakota Medicaid or a qualified elder law advisor.
Methodology
Pricing estimates are modeled using a range plus midpoint planning framework anchored to national industry data, including statewide median figures from the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (data collected July through November 2025, published March 2, 2026).
State comparisons reflect standardized median estimates used across SeniorCareCostGuide. Long-term projections are illustrative planning models based on consistent annual growth assumptions and are intended for planning purposes only.
For a detailed explanation of how pricing estimates are modeled, see our Assisted Living Cost Methodology.
Sources
- CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey
- State-level pricing estimates modeled using a standardized range and midpoint framework
- Local market observations based on publicly available senior living data and community-level pricing trends
Last reviewed: May 2026.