Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Lincoln is 5% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,045/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 12%
$69,991/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 6%
$248,200 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 9%
$1,140/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 13%
291,932
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $3,962/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Fargo — common questions

Is Lincoln or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Fargo?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Fargo?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $3,962/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Dakota?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Fargo details →

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