Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Baltimore is 15% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,290/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 29%
$59,623/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 11%
$219,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 23%
$1,333/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 25%
577,193
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $6,406/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Fargo — common questions

Is Baltimore or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Fargo?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Fargo?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $6,406/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and North Dakota?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Fargo details →

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