Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Boise is 53% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,359/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 33%
$81,308/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 19%
$456,000 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 41%
$1,337/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 25%
235,701
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $15,279/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fargo — common questions

Is Boise or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fargo?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fargo?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $15,279/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Dakota?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Fargo

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres