Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Norman, OK (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Fargo is 3% cheaper than Norman.

$916/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 16%
$66,029/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 1%
$269,800 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 11%
$997/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 12%
129,064
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.5%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $969/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Norman — common questions

Is Fargo or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Norman?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Norman?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $969/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Oklahoma?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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