Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Naperville is 101% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,852/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 51%
$150,937/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 56%
$509,900 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 47%
$2,161/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 54%
149,424
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $936/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,232/year.

Median household income is $84,908/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Fargo — common questions

Is Naperville or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Fargo?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $936/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Fargo?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $84,908/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Dakota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Fargo

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres