Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Worcester is 42% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,415/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 35%
$67,544/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 2%
$339,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 21%
$1,521/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 34%
205,501
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Fargo — common questions

Is Worcester or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Fargo?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Fargo?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Dakota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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