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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Columbus is 14% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,224/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 25%
$65,327/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 1%
$234,500 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 15%
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 20%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $702/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fargo — common questions

Is Columbus or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fargo?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fargo?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $702/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 Columbus or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Fargo details →

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