Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Anchorage is 55% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,453/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 37%
$98,152/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 33%
$375,900 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 28%
$1,698/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 41%
289,069
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $32,123/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Fargo — common questions

Is Anchorage or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Fargo?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Fargo?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $32,123/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and North Dakota?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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