Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Fargo is 31% cheaper than Manchester.

$916/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 60%
$66,029/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 17%
$269,800 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 25%
$997/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 55%
129,064
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $11,386/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Manchester — common questions

Is Fargo or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Manchester?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Manchester?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $11,386/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and New Hampshire?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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