Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Scottsdale is 126% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,910/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 52%
$107,372/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 39%
$709,900 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 62%
$1,824/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 45%
242,169
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $994/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,928/year.

Median household income is $41,343/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fargo — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fargo?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $994/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fargo?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $41,343/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Dakota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Fargo

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres