Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Fargo is 12% cheaper than Odessa.

$916/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 44%
$66,029/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 11%
$269,800 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 23%
$997/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 25%
129,064
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $7,001/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Odessa — common questions

Is Fargo or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Odessa?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Odessa?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $7,001/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Texas?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Odessa

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham