Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Kansas City is 10% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,186/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 23%
$67,449/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 2%
$227,000 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 19%
$1,205/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 17%
508,233
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $1,420/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fargo — common questions

Is Kansas 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fargo?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fargo?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $1,420/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Dakota?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Fargo details →

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