Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Atlanta is 67% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,617/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 43%
$81,938/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 19%
$420,600 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 36%
$1,695/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 41%
499,287
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $15,909/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Fargo — common questions

Is Atlanta or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Fargo?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Fargo?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $15,909/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Dakota?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Fargo details →

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