Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Fargo is 26% more expensive than Lansing.

$916/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↑ 7%
$66,029/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 21%
$269,800 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 56%
$997/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 2%
129,064
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Lansing — common questions

Is Fargo or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Lansing?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Lansing?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Michigan?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Lansing

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey