Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Provo, UT (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Fargo is 28% cheaper than Provo.

$916/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 26%
$66,029/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 5%
$269,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 62%
$997/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 22%
129,064
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $3,229/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Provo — common questions

Is Fargo or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Provo?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Provo?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $3,229/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Utah?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Provo details →

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