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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Charlotte is 48% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,504/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 39%
$78,438/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 16%
$351,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 23%
$1,487/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 33%
886,283
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

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $12,409/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Fargo — common questions

Is Charlotte or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Fargo?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Fargo?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $12,409/year higher in Charlotte.
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 Charlotte or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Fargo details →

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