Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Grand Rapids is 8% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,191/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 23%
$65,526/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$66,029/yr ≈ Same
$225,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 20%
$1,136/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 12%
197,768
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $503/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Fargo — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Fargo?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Fargo?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $503/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and North Dakota?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Grand Rapids details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Fargo

Grand Rapids vs. Montgomery Grand Rapids vs. Sioux Falls Grand Rapids vs. Grand Prairie Grand Rapids vs. Overland Park Grand Rapids vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Rapids vs. Huntington Beach Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres