Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs College Station, TX (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Fargo is 20% cheaper than College Station.

$916/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 28%
$66,029/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 22%
$269,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 21%
$997/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 25%
129,064
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $14,253/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs College Station — common questions

Is Fargo or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and College Station?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or College Station?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $14,253/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Texas?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and College Station

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette