Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Washington is 134% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,900/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 52%
$106,287/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 38%
$724,600 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 63%
$2,103/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 53%
672,079
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $984/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,808/year.

Median household income is $40,258/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Fargo — common questions

Is Washington or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Fargo?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $984/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Fargo?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $40,258/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Dakota?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Fargo details →

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