Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fargo is 39% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$916/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 87%
$66,029/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 5%
$269,800 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 37%
$997/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 67%
129,064
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $793/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,516/year.

Median household income is $3,232/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fargo or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $793/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $3,232/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Florida?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and West Palm Beach

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings