Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Cary is 85% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,621/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 43%
$129,399/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 49%
$525,200 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 49%
$1,744/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 43%
176,686
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $63,370/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Fargo — common questions

Is Cary or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Fargo?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Fargo?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $63,370/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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