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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Indianapolis and Fargo have a similar cost of living.

$1,112/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 18%
$62,995/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 5%
$207,000 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 30%
$1,124/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 11%
882,043
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $3,034/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fargo — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fargo?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fargo?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $3,034/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 Indianapolis or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Fargo details →

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