Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Fargo, ND (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

St. Paul is 25% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,248/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 27%
$73,055/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 10%
$280,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 4%
$1,390/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 28%
307,762
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $7,026/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Fargo — common questions

Is St. Paul or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Fargo?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Fargo?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $7,026/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Dakota?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Fargo

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres