Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fargo is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$916/mo ↓ 67%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 199%
$66,029/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 92%
$269,800 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 286%
$997/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 164%
129,064
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,826/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $21,912/year.

Median household income is $60,440/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fargo or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,826/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Cambridge?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $60,440/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Massachusetts?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Cambridge details →

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