Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fargo is 19% cheaper than Elgin.

$916/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 38%
$66,029/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 34%
$269,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 6%
$997/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 51%
129,064
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $22,287/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fargo or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Elgin?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Elgin?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $22,287/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Illinois?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Elgin

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont