Watford City, ND vs Sergeant Bluff, IA: Cost of Living
Which city costs less?
Sergeant Bluff, IA has a modeled overall cost index 14.0% higher than Watford City, ND.
- Watford City, ND · modeled 2BR rent
- $1,400 / month
- Sergeant Bluff, IA · modeled 2BR rent
- $1,490 / month
These are saved estimates, not current rental listings. Some cities use adjusted regional data. Your household budget can differ from the overall index. Sources and assumptions
Adjust your income and compare the budget ↓Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Compare Watford City, ND and Sergeant Bluff, IA using saved regional data and explicit budgeting assumptions. Rent estimates are not live listings. Change the salary below, then check the source notes before applying a result to your household.
Saved regional estimates · Sources and assumptions
Estimated extra cost: $835/month in Sergeant Bluff, IA
$150,000 in your current city has a modeled equivalent of $160,021 in Sergeant Bluff, IA
Assumes 60% of current gross income goes to living costs. The headline uses the category budget below; taxes, moving costs and savings goals are excluded.
Watford City, ND
Sergeant Bluff, IA
Planning the move to Sergeant Bluff?
Organize packing, address changes, and moving-day tasks with a free checklist. Your progress saves in this browser. No account needed.
Plan my move with the free checklistWatford City, ND
The Peace Garden State
Located in North Dakota, this city has a population of 6K residents.
Sergeant Bluff, IA
The Hawkeye State
Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 5K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Estimated monthly spending: Watford City, ND vs Sergeant Bluff, IA
Assumes 60% of your current gross income is spent on these categories. The headline and totals use this same budget. Rent estimates below are separate reference data. Rounded amounts may differ by $1.
| Category | Watford City, ND | Sergeant Bluff, IA | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Other | $1,562/mo | $1,934/mo | ↑ $372more | 23.8% |
Transportation | $1,214/mo | $1,480/mo | ↑ $266more | 21.9% |
Groceries | $1,123/mo | $1,204/mo | ↑ $81.83more | 7.3% |
All Utilities | $554/mo | $596/mo | ↑ $41.95more | 7.6% |
Healthcare | $824/mo | $865/mo | ↑ $40.25more | 4.9% |
Housing | $2,223/mo | $2,256/mo | ↑ $32.99more | 1.5% |
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $1,160–$1,160/mo
1BR range: $1,190–$1,190/mo
💡 Note: HUD Fair Market Rents estimate 40th-percentile gross rents, including most tenant-paid utilities. City ZIP summaries are medians of those estimates, not market median rents. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Home Values
Homes in Sergeant Bluff are 7% less expensive than Watford City
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Watford City, ND
Sergeant Bluff, IA
Additional Tax Information
Watford City, ND Tax Rates
Sergeant Bluff, IA Tax Rates
💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.
Environment
Before moving from Watford City, ND to Sergeant Bluff, IA
Use this comparison to shortlist a move, then check the costs that depend on your household.
- Compare actual homes. Get current quotes in Sergeant Bluff, IA for the same bedroom count and included utilities as your home in Watford City, ND. Add parking, deposits, insurance and any overlapping leases. The rent estimates above are a starting point, not available listings.
- Confirm your income. Check your expected pay with your employer, including any location adjustment. Use “Different salary at destination?” above to compare two incomes. The budget model excludes taxes and one-time moving costs; it is not a take-home-pay calculation.
- Price your daily routine. Check the commute from a specific address to work, school or childcare. Add household expenses missing from this model, such as childcare, debt payments and medical needs. Verify local services before signing a lease.
- Plan the transition. Get moving quotes and budget for travel, setup costs and time off. Open your Watford City to Sergeant Bluff moving checklist to organize the tasks and timing.
Still choosing a destination? Explore cities similar to Sergeant Bluff, IA by cost, housing, population and region.
Frequently Asked Questions: Watford City, ND vs Sergeant Bluff, IA
How do the cost estimates for Watford City, ND and Sergeant Bluff, IA compare?
What does the equivalent salary mean?
What rent estimates are available for Watford City, ND and Sergeant Bluff, IA?
How should I use this comparison before moving?
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Dakota and Iowa on TaxTakeHome.com
Similar cost to Sergeant Bluff, IA
Other cities in a similar price range
Want to compare different cities?
New Comparison