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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Dayton is 32% cheaper than Fargo.

$866/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↑ 6%
$43,454/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 52%
$93,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 189%
$833/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↑ 20%
136,741
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $22,575/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Fargo — common questions

Is Dayton or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Fargo?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Fargo?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $22,575/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 Dayton or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/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 Dayton details → View Fargo details →

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