Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Fargo is 10% cheaper than Hartford.

$916/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 33%
$66,029/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 31%
$269,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 19%
$997/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 28%
129,064
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.98%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $20,729/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Hartford — common questions

Is Fargo or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Hartford?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Hartford?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $20,729/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Connecticut?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Hartford

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