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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Pittsburgh is 4% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,221/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 25%
$64,137/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 3%
$193,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 40%
$1,136/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 12%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $1,892/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Fargo — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Fargo?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Fargo?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $1,892/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 Pittsburgh or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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.
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