Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Denver is 101% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,770/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 48%
$91,681/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 28%
$586,700 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 54%
$1,839/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 46%
713,734
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $854/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $10,248/year.

Median household income is $25,652/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fargo — common questions

Is Denver or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fargo?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $854/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fargo?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $25,652/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Dakota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Fargo details →

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