Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fargo is 4% cheaper than Waterbury.

$916/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 29%
$66,029/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 22%
$269,800 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 31%
$997/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 28%
129,064
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.98%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $14,387/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fargo or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Waterbury?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $14,387/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Connecticut?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Waterbury details →

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