Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Columbia is 10% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,158/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 21%
$55,653/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 19%
$243,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 11%
$1,169/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 15%
138,019
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $10,376/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Fargo — common questions

Is Columbia or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Fargo?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Fargo?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $10,376/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and North Dakota?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/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 Columbia details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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