Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Fort Wayne is 14% cheaper than Fargo.

$959/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 4%
$60,293/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 10%
$169,700 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 59%
$950/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↑ 5%
266,235
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,736/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fargo — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fargo?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fargo?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $5,736/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Dakota?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/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 Wayne details → View Fargo details →

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