Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Portland is 89% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,596/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 43%
$88,792/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 26%
$557,600 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 52%
$1,771/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 44%
642,715
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $22,763/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fargo — common questions

Is Portland or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fargo?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fargo?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $22,763/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Dakota?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Fargo details →

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