Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Norfolk is 22% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,246/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 26%
$64,017/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 3%
$271,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$269,800 ≈ Same
$1,366/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 27%
235,037
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $2,012/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Fargo — common questions

Is Norfolk or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Fargo?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Fargo?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $2,012/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Dakota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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