Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Bismarck, ND?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.8% of gross income.
Bismarck rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Dakota state estimate).
About rent and a nursing assistant salary
Nursing assistant (CNA) pay falls below the rent threshold for a one-bedroom in nearly every US metro, which is the central tension behind the widely studied direct-care workforce affordability gap. At the national-average CNA salary, the 30% rule supports about $990 a month in rent — below median rent in most cities. The per-city pages quantify how far below.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Dakota cities have lower median rent than Bismarck, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Bismarck
View full rent data for Bismarck, ND →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Bismarck, ND?
Median rent in Bismarck is $1,242 a month. A typical nursing assistant in North Dakota earns about $38,422 a year, which makes that rent 38.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a nursing assistant afford in Bismarck?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in North Dakota (~$38,422/yr) supports up to $961 a month in rent. Bismarck's current median rent is $1,242/mo, which is $281/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Bismarck?
At an hourly equivalent of about $18 an hour, a nursing assistant in North Dakota works roughly 67.2 hours a month to cover Bismarck's median rent of $1,242.
Where is rent cheaper than Bismarck for a nursing assistant?
Nearby North Dakota cities with lower median rent include Minot ($1,240/mo), Dickinson ($1,238/mo), Watford City ($1,236/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a nursing assistant salary.