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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Surprise is 73% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,917/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 52%
$93,371/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 29%
$396,000 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 32%
$1,587/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 37%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,001/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $12,012/year.

Median household income is $27,342/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Fargo — common questions

Is Surprise or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Fargo?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,001/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Fargo?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $27,342/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Fargo

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres