Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fargo is 11% cheaper than Lakeland.

$916/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 42%
$66,029/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 8%
$269,800 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 15%
$997/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 15%
129,064
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $5,082/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fargo or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Lakeland?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $5,082/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Florida?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Lakeland

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon