Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Fargo is 6% cheaper than Dearborn.

$916/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 38%
$66,029/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 1%
$269,800 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 24%
$997/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 18%
129,064
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $837/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Fargo or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Dearborn?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Dearborn?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $837/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Michigan?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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