Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fargo is 26% more expensive than Topeka.

$916/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↑ 3%
$66,029/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 15%
$269,800 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 52%
$997/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 7%
129,064
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.98%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,127/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fargo or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Topeka?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Topeka?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $10,127/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Kansas?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Topeka

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks