Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Lexington is 12% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,101/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 17%
$67,631/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 2%
$272,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$269,800 ≈ Same
$1,160/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 14%
321,122
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $1,602/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Fargo — common questions

Is Lexington or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Fargo?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Fargo?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $1,602/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Dakota?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Fargo details →

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