Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Fargo and Abilene have a similar cost of living.

$916/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 21%
$66,029/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 5%
$269,800 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 34%
$997/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 12%
129,064
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $3,309/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Abilene — common questions

Is Fargo or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Abilene?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Abilene?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $3,309/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Texas?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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