Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Fargo, ND (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

New York is 127% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,779/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 49%
$79,713/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 17%
$751,700 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 64%
$1,837/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 46%
8,516,202
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $13,684/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Fargo — common questions

Is New York or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Fargo?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Fargo?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $13,684/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Dakota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 York details → View Fargo details →

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