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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Milwaukee is 8% cheaper than Fargo.

$1,033/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 11%
$51,888/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 27%
$172,000 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 57%
$1,082/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 8%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $14,141/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fargo — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fargo?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fargo?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $14,141/year higher in Fargo.
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 Milwaukee or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Fargo details →

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