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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Spokane is 23% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,141/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 20%
$65,745/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$66,029/yr ≈ Same
$326,200 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 17%
$1,213/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 18%
229,228
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $284/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Fargo — common questions

Is Spokane or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Fargo?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Fargo?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $284/year higher in Fargo.
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 Spokane or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Fargo details →

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