Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Cedar Rapids is 11% cheaper than Fargo.

$925/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$916/mo ≈ Same
$67,859/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 3%
$177,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 52%
$1,084/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 8%
136,859
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,830/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Fargo — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Fargo?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Fargo?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $1,830/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Dakota?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/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 Cedar Rapids details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Fargo

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres