Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Syracuse is 19% cheaper than Fargo.

$998/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 8%
$45,845/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 44%
$125,100 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 116%
$980/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↑ 2%
146,211
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $20,184/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Fargo — common questions

Is Syracuse or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Fargo?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Fargo?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $20,184/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Dakota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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 Syracuse details → View Fargo details →

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