Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Durham is 44% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,412/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 35%
$79,234/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 17%
$355,300 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 24%
$1,434/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 30%
288,465
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $13,205/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fargo — common questions

Is Durham or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fargo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fargo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $13,205/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Fargo details →

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