Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Akron is 18% cheaper than Fargo.

$930/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 2%
$48,544/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 36%
$111,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 143%
$904/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↑ 10%
189,526
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,485/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Fargo — common questions

Is Akron or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Fargo?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Fargo?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $17,485/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Dakota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Fargo details →