Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fargo is 8% cheaper than Allentown.

$916/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 39%
$66,029/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 19%
$269,800 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 30%
$997/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
129,064
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $12,626/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fargo or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Allentown?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Allentown?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $12,626/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Pennsylvania?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Allentown

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo