Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Philadelphia is 16% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,323/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 31%
$60,698/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 9%
$232,400 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 16%
$1,233/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 19%
1,582,432
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $5,331/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fargo — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fargo?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fargo?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $5,331/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Dakota?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Fargo details →

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