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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fargo is 9% more expensive than Independence.

$916/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 16%
$66,029/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 10%
$269,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 38%
$997/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 5%
129,064
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $6,549/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Independence — common questions

Is Fargo or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Independence?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Independence?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $6,549/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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Independence

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