Bismarck, ND vs Oakland, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bismarck
72.8
#819 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 35). Bismarck leads in average commute (15.7 min vs 32.1 min). Bismarck leads in cost of living index (106 vs 155).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#819) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 75,092 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $383,424 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $76,014 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 15.7 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 7.6 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+43.2 | D+53.6 |
C-
72.8 Score
Bismarck, ND
North Dakota community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$383,424
Population
75,092
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Bismarck, ND →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Bismarck for: