Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fargo is 40% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$916/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 69%
$66,029/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 23%
$269,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 61%
$997/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 64%
129,064
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $15,060/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fargo or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $15,060/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Michigan?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Ann Arbor

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford