Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Minneapolis is 40% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,329/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 31%
$80,269/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 18%
$345,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 22%
$1,513/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 34%
426,845
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $14,240/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Fargo — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Fargo?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Fargo?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $14,240/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Dakota?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Fargo details →

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