Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Seattle is 168% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,998/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 54%
$121,984/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 46%
$912,100 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 70%
$2,220/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 55%
741,440
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,082/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $12,984/year.

Median household income is $55,955/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fargo — common questions

Is Seattle or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fargo?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,082/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fargo?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $55,955/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Dakota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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