Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Des Moines is 4% cheaper than Fargo.

$1,054/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 13%
$63,966/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 3%
$183,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 47%
$1,137/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 12%
212,464
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $2,063/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fargo — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Fargo?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fargo?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $2,063/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Dakota?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Fargo details →

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