Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Providence is 36% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,333/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 31%
$66,772/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 1%
$322,800 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 16%
$1,467/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 32%
190,214
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $743/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Fargo — common questions

Is Providence or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Fargo?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Fargo?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $743/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and North Dakota?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Fargo details →

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