Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Jersey City is 103% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,902/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 52%
$94,813/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 30%
$534,500 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 50%
$2,006/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 50%
289,691
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $986/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,832/year.

Median household income is $28,784/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Fargo — common questions

Is Jersey City or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Fargo?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $986/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Fargo?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $28,784/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Dakota?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Fargo details →

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