Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Fargo is 5% cheaper than Lafayette.

$916/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 16%
$66,029/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 7%
$269,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 7%
$997/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 6%
129,064
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $4,575/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Fargo or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Lafayette?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Lafayette?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $4,575/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Louisiana?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Lafayette

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