Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Newark is 37% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,330/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 31%
$48,416/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 36%
$337,800 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 20%
$1,419/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 30%
307,188
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $17,613/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Fargo — common questions

Is Newark or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Fargo?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Fargo?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $17,613/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Dakota?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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