EVERYTHING IN THE BOOM AREAS IS EXPENSIVE. Wages at McDonalds are no higher than anywhere else, food and housing are in high demand. Was just up there and noted all kinds of "Camper Camps" (Locals call them "Man-Camps") throughout ND and MT - very "not cheap". Motels advertised $600/wk++ (and that was a "dump") Beer, wine and booze are through the roof and I'm sure every hooker in the country is there or has been. Walmarts are everywhere - I pity the fools staying in their campers or tiny trailers when winter comes. Look for a railroad job where you can be close, but not in the middle of nowhere like some of the "Man-Camps" are. Really miserable driving experiences in wintertime - you REALLY DON'T want to be there. Other than that, good luck!