Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fargo is 27% cheaper than Wilmington.

$916/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 43%
$66,029/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 3%
$269,800 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 30%
$997/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 38%
129,064
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $2,129/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fargo or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Wilmington?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $2,129/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and North Carolina?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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