Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Albuquerque is 7% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,085/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 16%
$65,604/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$66,029/yr ≈ Same
$266,700 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 1%
$1,149/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 13%
562,488
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $425/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fargo — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fargo?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fargo?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $425/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Dakota?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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 Albuquerque details → View Fargo details →