Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Birmingham is 15% cheaper than Fargo.

$1,047/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 13%
$44,376/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 49%
$138,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 95%
$991/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$997/mo ≈ Same
199,322
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $21,653/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Fargo — common questions

Is Birmingham or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Fargo?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Fargo?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $21,653/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Dakota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Fargo details →

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