Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Fargo is 7% cheaper than Columbia.

$916/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 16%
$66,029/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 2%
$269,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$268,300 ≈ Same
$997/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 12%
129,064
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $1,541/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fargo or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Columbia?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Columbia?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $1,541/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Missouri?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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