Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fargo is 39% cheaper than Lowell.

$916/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 75%
$66,029/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 15%
$269,800 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 46%
$997/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 68%
129,064
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $10,176/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fargo or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Lowell?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Lowell?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $10,176/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Massachusetts?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Lowell details →

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