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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Cleveland is 30% cheaper than Fargo.

$894/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↑ 2%
$39,187/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 68%
$94,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 187%
$866/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↑ 15%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $26,842/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Fargo — common questions

Is Cleveland or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Fargo?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Fargo?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $26,842/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 Cleveland or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Fargo details →

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