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Williston, ND, United States

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

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📊 Scores

65
FIRE
61
Retiree
71
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 71)

Oil and gas extraction dominates Williston's economy—the Bakken Formation boom transformed this town from sleepy prairie outpost to boomtown between 2010 and 2020. Major employers are petroleum companies, service contractors, and support industries; most six-figure incomes come from rig work, engineering, or logistics. The economy is brutally cyclical: when oil prices crash, jobs vanish fast. If you're not in energy or skilled trades, employment options thin considerably.

Rent runs $1,200/month for a one-bedroom downtown—still elevated from boom-era peaks but painful for non-oil wages. Winter is punishing: January averages 11.5°F with 48 inches of snow annually; you need winter tires and a heated garage mentality. Healthcare access is adequate (Williston Medical Center exists), but specialists require Bismarck or Minot trips. No language barrier, but bureaucracy is standard US—straightforward if you're a citizen, visa complications if not.

Summers are pleasant (70°F), winters brutal and long. Food scene is basic: chain restaurants dominate; grocery costs run 8–12% above national average. The expat community is tiny; most newcomers are American oil workers, not digital nomads. Weekends mean hunting, fishing, or driving to Montana. Williston suits oil industry workers with high risk tolerance and people who genuinely enjoy extreme cold and isolation—not remote workers seeking affordable, livable cities.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,663/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Williston, ND on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,663 a month for one adult, with $894 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $239 on groceries, $120 on dining out, $120 on entertainment and lifestyle and $290 on utilities and connectivity.

Rent

$894/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$239/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$120/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$120/mo

12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$290/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$769/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1002.25/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

75
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

25
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Williston is a genuinely safe small city with a strong community feel and minimal violent crime. Walking around downtown and residential areas during day and evening hours is comfortable and unremarkable. The city's oil boom has brought growth and investment, contributing to well-maintained public spaces and active neighborhood watch culture. For expats accustomed to larger metros, the safety here will feel refreshingly straightforward.

Property crime (vehicle theft, garage break-ins) slightly exceeds national averages due to transient oil workers, but violent crime remains rare. Petty theft from unlocked vehicles is the primary concern. Avoid leaving valuables visible in cars. The city has minimal gang activity, drug-related violence, or organized crime. Solo female travelers and residents report feeling secure at all hours. Standard urban precautions apply, but Williston doesn't present unusual gender-specific risks.

Williston is politically stable with reliable law enforcement and no geopolitical concerns relevant to American expats. The police department is responsive and professional. The main contextual factor is economic volatility tied to oil prices, which can affect community stability and housing costs, but poses no direct safety threat. For a 30-65 year old American seeking a quiet, genuinely safe small-town environment, Williston is an excellent choice with minimal reservations.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
No
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Williston, ND's healthcare compares with Calipatria, CA

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Arid
Summer Temp
22°C
Winter Temp
-10°C
Humidity
65%
Air Quality Index
45
Annual Rainfall
379 mm

Best Months

MayJunSepOct

Climate Notes

Williston has a continental climate with cold, long winters (December–February) dropping below -10°C and warm, short summers (June–August) around 22°C, with low precipitation year-round.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
100 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$76/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
71/100

Community Notes

Williston is a small yet connected community with opportunities for freelancers.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Regus - North Dakota, WillistonRegus offers a reliable coworking option in Williston, providing private offices and coworking spaces. Located on 2nd Avenue West, it's a convenient option with standard amenities like high-speed internet and meeting rooms, suitable for those needing a professional environment.
Williston Area Chamber of CommerceWhile primarily a chamber of commerce, they offer some shared workspace and meeting room options for members. Located downtown, it's a good place to connect with the local business community and offers a more community-focused coworking experience.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Williston North
Banks Nearby
1
ATMs Nearby
0

Expat Life Notes

Booming oil city in the Bakken formation. Rugged, independent, and expensive for its size.

Pros

  • ✓ High salaries in energy
  • ✓ Safe and clean
  • ✓ Safe suburbs

Cons

  • ✗ Industrial feel
  • ✗ Harsh winters
  • ✗ Extremely isolated

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Williston, ND

Areas of Williston, ND that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Downtown Williston

Central, developing, mixed-use

Downtown is experiencing revitalization with new apartments, restaurants, and shops. It's walkable and offers access to city amenities, but can be noisy due to traffic and construction. Suitable for those who want to be in the heart of the action, but expect higher rents.

West Williston

Residential, family-friendly, quiet

West Williston is primarily residential, with single-family homes and some apartment complexes. It's quieter than downtown and offers parks and schools. A car is essential as walkability and public transit are limited. Good for retirees or families seeking a peaceful environment.

South Williston

Developing, commercial, residential mix

South Williston is a growing area with a mix of residential developments and commercial businesses. It offers newer housing options and easy access to major roadways. While convenient, it lacks the established character of older neighborhoods and requires a vehicle for most errands.

North Williston

Industrial, affordable, less developed

North Williston is characterized by industrial areas and more affordable housing options. It's less developed than other parts of the city and may have fewer amenities. While budget-friendly, it may not be the most desirable area for expats seeking a vibrant or walkable neighborhood.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Williston, ND

Click any question to expand the answer.

Williston, ND has a population of approximately 14,716 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,506 per month in Williston, ND, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1002/month.
The nearest airport to Williston, ND is XWA, approximately 1km away.
Williston, ND is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 75.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Williston, ND has an average internet speed of 100 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Williston's economy remains oil-dependent, but job availability is currently moderate. A 1-bedroom rent in the city center is $1002.25 per month, and the cost of living index is 68.5 (NYC=100). The city has a safety index of 75 and an overall score of 71.
Yes, you can save money here. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $1,002 per month, and monthly expenses for one person without rent are $1,100, with a cost of living index of 68.5 (where NYC is 100). Internet speed is reliable at 100 Mbps, supporting remote work.
Current data does not include specific winter temperature or snowfall. The climate is arid, and the overall city score is 71. Winter conditions may be cold but are not detailed in the current verified data.
Williston's cost of living is below the US national average, with a cost of living index of 68.5 (NYC=100). A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $1,002 per month, and monthly expenses without rent are around $1,100.
Yes, Williston has several healthcare facilities, including CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center, and most doctors are native English speakers. You shouldn't have any language barriers accessing medical care here.
Williston has a safety index of 75 and a crime index of 25, indicating a low crime rate relative to the U.S. average. It is considered a safe place to live, though usual precautions are still recommended.
Internet service in Williston is reliable for remote work, with average speeds of 100 Mbps. Check availability with providers like Midco depending on your specific neighborhood, as speeds can vary.
Coworking spaces are limited in Williston, but some cafes offer decent Wi-Fi for remote work. Check out local coffee shops like Meg-A-Latte or Daily Addiction for a workspace with caffeine.
Williston's rental market offers a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center for an average of $1,002.25 per month. The cost of living index is 68.5 (NYC=100), and the overall city score is 71, indicating a relatively affordable market.
Having a car is highly recommended in Williston, as public transportation options are limited. While there are some taxi services, relying on them can be expensive and inconvenient. Walking and biking are possible in some areas, but the distances can be significant.
Williston's social scene is heavily influenced by the oil industry, with many residents being relatively new to the area. While there isn't a large established expat community, you can find social opportunities through local events, community groups, and recreational activities. Be prepared to put yourself out there to meet people.
Based on current data, a single retiree's monthly expenses including rent average about $2,102 ($1,100 without rent plus $1,002 for a 1BR in the city center), and the cost of living index is 68.5. A comfortable retirement budget of $2,500-$3,000 per month is more realistic than the previously suggested $3,000-$4,000, depending on healthcare and lifestyle.
Williston offers strong geoarbitrage potential with a cost of living index of 68.5 (NYC=100) and 1BR rent averaging $1002.25 per month in the city center. Your monthly costs without rent are $1100, which is well below the US national average. This makes Williston an attractive option for remote workers coming from high-cost cities.
Major banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of North Dakota have branches in Williston. For international money transfers, consider using online services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Remitly to potentially save on fees compared to traditional bank transfers. Check ATM fees and availability before relying on them.
Williston's city center 1-bedroom rent averages $1,002.25 per month, while the overall cost of living index is 68.5 (NYC=100). For budget-friendly options, consider areas outside the city center where rents may be lower. Newer developments offer modern amenities but at higher prices.
Williston has a continental climate with cold, harsh winters and warm summers. Expect significant snowfall and sub-zero temperatures during the winter months. Summers are generally pleasant, but can be short. Be prepared for extreme temperature swings and dress accordingly.
Due to the smaller expat population, formal support networks are limited. However, you can connect with other newcomers through local community groups, social media, and by attending local events. Networking with people in your industry can also be a good way to build connections.

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