Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Billings, MT (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fargo is 15% cheaper than Billings.

$916/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 20%
$66,029/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 9%
$269,800 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 16%
$997/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 18%
129,064
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $5,826/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Billings — common questions

Is Fargo or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Billings?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Billings?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $5,826/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Montana?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Billings

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston