Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Raleigh is 51% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,468/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 38%
$82,424/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 20%
$377,800 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 29%
$1,487/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 33%
470,763
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $16,395/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fargo — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fargo?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fargo?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $16,395/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Fargo details →

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