Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Salt Lake City is 60% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,343/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 32%
$74,925/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 12%
$495,700 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 46%
$1,394/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 28%
203,888
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $8,896/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Fargo — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Fargo?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Fargo?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $8,896/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and North Dakota?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Fargo details →

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