Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Fargo is 20% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$916/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 62%
$66,029/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 2%
$269,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 8%
$997/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 21%
129,064
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $1,492/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Fargo or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $1,492/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Florida?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Palm Bay

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