Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Cincinnati is 5% cheaper than Fargo.

$953/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 4%
$51,707/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 28%
$215,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 25%
$1,041/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 4%
309,595
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,322/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Fargo — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Fargo?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Fargo?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $14,322/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Dakota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Fargo details →

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