Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Bismarck, ND MSA vs Fargo, ND-MN MSA

How do Bismarck, ND MSA and Fargo, ND-MN MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,030
Bismarck, ND MSA (1BR)
$917
Fargo, ND-MN MSA (1BR)
+12%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Bismarck, ND MSA
$1,030/mo 1BR
Population: 133,467
Metro
Fargo, ND-MN MSA
$917/mo 1BR
Population: 251,635

A 1-bedroom in Bismarck, ND MSA is 12% more expensive than Fargo, ND-MN MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,030 vs $917). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Bismarck, ND MSA Fargo, ND-MN MSA Difference
Studio $961 $768 +$193 (+25%)
1 Bedroom $1,030 $917 +$113 (+12%)
2 Bedroom $1,175 $1,112 +$63 (+6%)
3 Bedroom $1,634 $1,547 +$87 (+6%)
4 Bedroom $1,884 $1,865 +$19 (+1%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Bismarck, ND MSA is 7% above the US average. Fargo, ND-MN MSA is 4% below.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).