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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Salem is 44% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,323/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 31%
$71,900/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 8%
$382,400 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 29%
$1,440/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 31%
176,666
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $5,871/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Fargo — common questions

Is Salem or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Fargo?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Fargo?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $5,871/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Fargo details →

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