Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Mobile is 10% cheaper than Fargo.

$1,029/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 11%
$51,090/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 29%
$170,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 58%
$1,016/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 2%
185,097
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $14,939/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Fargo — common questions

Is Mobile or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Fargo?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Fargo?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $14,939/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Dakota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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 Mobile details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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