City Comparison
Williston vs Valley City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Valley City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Williston
Valley City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Valley City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Williston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Williston's average rent is
47% higher than Valley City's.
| Metric | Williston | Valley City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,249 | $850 | +47% |
| Groceries | $400 | $380 | +5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $110 | +9% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $220 | +14% |
| Monthly Total | $2,199 | $1,740 | +26% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 88 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Valley City offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Valley City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Williston is estimated at
$43,956 vs $42,000 in Valley City.
| Metric | Williston | Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,046 | $52,000 |
| Salary Needed | $43,956 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,417 idx | 59,091 idx |
| Household Income | $79,381 | $60,339 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.1°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Valley City sees 2.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Williston | Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 43.50°F | 43.40°F |
| Summer High | 77.40°F | 76.50°F |
| Winter Low | 2.10°F | 1.60°F |
| Rainfall | 17.80 in | 22.20 in |
| Snowfall | 23.00 in | 25.50 in |
| Sunny Days | 288 | 283 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Valley City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Valley City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Williston | Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 22.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Williston is the larger city
— approximately 4.6x the population of Valley City.
From a growth perspective, Williston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Williston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Williston | Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,401 | 6,430 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 32.0 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Williston
Advantages
The unemployment rate in Williston is significantly lower than the national average, standing at 2.50% in August 2026.
Williston offers a relatively short average commute time of 17.6 minutes, less than the national average.
The city provides ample outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea for water sports, fishing, and hunting.
The average rent in Williston is 34% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to live for renters.
Williston has a strong sense of community and friendly residents, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate in Williston is 29.9% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate 21.8% higher.
Public transportation options are limited, making the city highly car-dependent.
Some residents express concerns about safety, particularly regarding walking alone at night.
While growing, the city is noted by some as lacking in diverse attractions and shopping compared to larger cities.
The population has shown a recent annual decline of -0.41%, suggesting a potential slowdown in growth.
Valley City
Advantages
Median home property values remain highly accessible at roughly $162,200 per Census data, offering exceptional affordability for buyers.
Crime rates and overall safety profiles sit significantly lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment.
Average commute times are remarkably short at under 16 minutes per Data USA metrics, reducing daily travel stress.
Home to Valley City State University, providing local cultural events, continuing education, and community enrichment.
Surrounded by the scenic Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, offering abundant outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
Drawbacks
Harsh winter weather conditions bring severe low temperatures and winter snowfall totals that require winterized preparation.
Local employment options in niche professional fields are more limited compared to larger metropolitan job markets like Fargo.
Poverty rates hover around 16.7% according to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, indicating localized economic challenges.
Public transportation infrastructure is minimal, making car ownership an absolute necessity for daily life.
Specialized retail, entertainment, and major medical procedures require travel to regional urban centers.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Williston
#293North Dakota, USA
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,249
Avg Salary
$45,046
Cost Index
95
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
288/yr
Avg Temp
43.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
70
Business
75
Valley City
#80North Dakota, USA
68.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
283/yr
Avg Temp
43.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
76
Business
67
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Williston and Valley City.
Open Cost Calculator