Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Lakewood is 93% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,746/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 48%
$85,789/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 23%
$548,200 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 51%
$1,729/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 42%
156,309
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $19,760/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Fargo — common questions

Is Lakewood or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Fargo?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Fargo?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $19,760/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Dakota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Fargo details →

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