Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Phoenix is 49% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,458/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 37%
$77,041/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 14%
$381,900 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 29%
$1,430/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 30%
1,624,832
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $11,012/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fargo — common questions

Is Phoenix or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fargo?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fargo?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $11,012/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Dakota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Fargo details →

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