Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Huntsville is 7% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,078/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 15%
$70,778/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 7%
$263,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 3%
$1,046/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 5%
218,814
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $4,749/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Fargo — common questions

Is Huntsville or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Fargo?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Fargo?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $4,749/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Dakota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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