Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Fargo is 42% cheaper than Sparks.

$916/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 80%
$66,029/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 32%
$269,800 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 69%
$997/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 61%
129,064
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $735/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,820/year.

Median household income is $20,950/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Sparks — common questions

Is Fargo or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Sparks?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $735/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Sparks?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $20,950/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Nevada?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Sparks

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler