Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Rochester is 16% cheaper than Fargo.

$1,039/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 12%
$46,628/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 42%
$120,600 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 124%
$1,009/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 1%
209,720
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $19,401/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Fargo — common questions

Is Rochester or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Fargo?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Fargo?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $19,401/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Dakota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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