Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Chicago is 27% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,380/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 34%
$75,134/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 12%
$315,200 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 34%
2,707,648
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $9,105/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fargo — common questions

Is Chicago or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fargo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fargo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $9,105/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Dakota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
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