Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Wichita is 11% cheaper than Fargo.

$960/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 5%
$63,072/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 5%
$179,500 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 50%
$994/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$997/mo ≈ Same
396,488
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,957/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Fargo — common questions

Is Wichita or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Fargo?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Fargo?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $2,957/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and North Dakota?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Fargo

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres