Cost of Living

Since 1968, the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) has collected and published cost of living index data at the local level.  The Cost of Living Index is the most reliable source of city-to-city comparisons of key consumer costs available anywhere. COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNN Money, and the President's Council of Economic Advisors.
 

The Bismarck-Mandan Development Association participates in the Cost of Living Index by collecting local data for the quarterly reports.  The Cost of Living Index measures the relative price levels for consumer goods and services in participating areas. The average for all participating places equals 100, and each participant's index is read as a percentage of the average for all places.