Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fargo is 30% cheaper than Clearwater.

$916/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 68%
$66,029/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 2%
$269,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 21%
$997/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 42%
129,064
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $1,589/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fargo or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Clearwater?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $1,589/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Florida?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Clearwater

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville