Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Aurora is 37% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,535/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 40%
$90,109/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 27%
$260,400 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 4%
$1,591/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 37%
179,867
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $24,080/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Fargo — common questions

Is Aurora or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Fargo?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Fargo?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $24,080/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Dakota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/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 Aurora details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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