Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fargo and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$916/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 10%
$66,029/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 26%
$269,800 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 12%
$997/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 4%
129,064
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $17,493/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fargo or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $17,493/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Alabama?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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