Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Arlington is 178% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,275/mo ↑ 148%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 60%
$140,160/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 53%
$864,800 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 69%
$2,414/mo ↑ 142%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 59%
235,463
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,359/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $16,308/year.

Median household income is $74,131/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Fargo — common questions

Is Arlington or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Fargo?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,359/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Fargo?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $74,131/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Dakota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Fargo

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