Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fargo is 44% cheaper than Meridian.

$916/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 87%
$66,029/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 49%
$269,800 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 80%
$997/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 61%
129,064
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $32,657/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fargo or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Meridian?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Meridian?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $32,657/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Idaho?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Meridian

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord