Cost of Living Comparison for Fargo, ND
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Fargo's cost of living index is 93 — 7% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Fargo local data
How Fargo Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Fargo stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Fargo, ND | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $290,000 | $420,800 | -31.1% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,073 | $1,713 | -37.4% |
| Median Household Income | $67,200 | $74,580 | -9.9% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.00% | 1.10% | -9.1% |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 100 | -7.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Fargo Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 260,000
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg Commute
- 17 min
- Median Age
- 30.9
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 22.5x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,900
Frequently Asked Questions — Fargo
What is the median home price in Fargo, ND?
The median home price in Fargo is $290,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Fargo?
Median monthly rent in Fargo is $1,073. That works out to $12,876/year, or 19% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Fargo affordable?
Fargo's cost of living index is 93 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $67,200/year and a median home price of $290,000, the price-to-income ratio is 4.3x. Fargo falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Fargo?
The effective property tax rate in Fargo is 1.00% of assessed value. On the median home of $290,000, that's roughly $2,900/year ($242/month).