Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Fort Collins is 88% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,661/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 45%
$83,598/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 21%
$548,400 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 51%
$1,692/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 41%
169,705
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $17,569/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Fargo — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Fargo?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Fargo?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $17,569/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Dakota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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