Can A Retail Salesperson Afford Rent in Williston, ND?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.9% of gross income.
Williston rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Dakota state estimate).
About rent and a retail salesperson salary
Retail pay sits below the rent threshold needed for solo apartment living in most US metros, which is the central tension behind the widely studied retail-housing affordability gap. At the national-average retail salary, the 30% rule supports about $927 a month in rent — below the median one-bedroom rent in nearly every metro tracked here. The per-city pages show which markets are least out of reach.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Dakota cities have lower median rent than Williston, which improves the affordability math on a retail salesperson salary:
Compare with full rent data for Williston
View full rent data for Williston, ND →Frequently asked questions
Can a retail salesperson afford rent in Williston, ND?
Median rent in Williston is $1,256 a month. A typical retail salesperson in North Dakota earns about $35,958 a year, which makes that rent 41.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a retail salesperson afford in Williston?
Using the 30% rule, a retail salesperson salary in North Dakota (~$35,958/yr) supports up to $899 a month in rent. Williston's current median rent is $1,256/mo, which is $357/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a retail salesperson work to cover rent in Williston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $17 an hour, a retail salesperson in North Dakota works roughly 72.7 hours a month to cover Williston's median rent of $1,256.
Where is rent cheaper than Williston for a retail salesperson?
Nearby North Dakota cities with lower median rent include Dickinson ($1,255/mo), Bismarck ($1,254/mo), Bismarck ($1,250/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a retail salesperson salary.