Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Thornton is 89% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,810/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 49%
$100,985/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 35%
$482,200 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 44%
$1,914/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 48%
142,878
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $34,956/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Fargo — common questions

Is Thornton or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Fargo?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Fargo?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $34,956/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Dakota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/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 Thornton details → View Fargo details →

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