Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fargo is 7% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$916/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↑ 3%
$66,029/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 16%
$269,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 19%
$997/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
129,064
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,853/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fargo or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $10,853/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and New Mexico?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Las Cruces

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