Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Fort Lauderdale is 81% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,776/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 48%
$79,935/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 17%
$455,600 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 41%
$1,778/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 44%
183,032
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $860/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $10,320/year.

Median household income is $13,906/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Fargo — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Fargo?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $860/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Fargo?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $13,906/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Dakota?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Lauderdale details → View Fargo details →

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