Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

New Orleans is 23% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,211/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 24%
$55,339/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 19%
$296,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 9%
$1,274/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 22%
376,035
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $10,690/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fargo — common questions

Is New Orleans or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fargo?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fargo?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $10,690/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Dakota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Fargo

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres