Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fargo is 20% more expensive than Springfield.

$916/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↑ 3%
$66,029/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,537/yr ≈ Same
$269,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 42%
$997/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
129,064
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.98%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $492/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fargo or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Springfield?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Springfield?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $492/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Illinois?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Springfield

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