Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fargo is 22% cheaper than Rochester.

$916/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 44%
$66,029/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 33%
$269,800 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 7%
$997/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 34%
129,064
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $21,738/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fargo or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Rochester?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Rochester?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $21,738/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Minnesota?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Rochester

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