Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Fargo is 52% cheaper than Arvada.

$916/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 97%
$66,029/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 72%
$269,800 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 123%
$997/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 95%
129,064
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $47,367/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Arvada — common questions

Is Fargo or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Arvada?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Arvada?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $47,367/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Colorado?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Arvada

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence