Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Boston is 141% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,093/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 56%
$94,755/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 30%
$710,400 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 54%
663,972
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,177/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $14,124/year.

Median household income is $28,726/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fargo — common questions

Is Boston or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fargo?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,177/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fargo?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $28,726/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Dakota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Fargo details →

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