Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Madison is 41% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,364/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 33%
$76,983/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 14%
$346,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 22%
$1,476/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 32%
275,568
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $10,954/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fargo — common questions

Is Madison or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fargo?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fargo?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $10,954/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Dakota?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Fargo

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres