Cost of Living in Fargo, ND
Population 129,064 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Fargo cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $270,000, rents near $916 a month.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fargo
The median home value in Fargo is $269,800 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $916/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,029/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Dakota's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 52.6°F and lows of 31.8°F, with about 51.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fargo has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 18 | 23 | 36 | 54 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 72 | 56 | 38 | 24 |
| Low °F | 0 | 4 | 18 | 32 | 44 | 56 | 59 | 57 | 48 | 35 | 21 | 8 |
| Precip" | 0.71 | 0.69 | 1.25 | 1.54 | 3.09 | 4.29 | 3.07 | 2.60 | 2.68 | 2.17 | 0.97 | 0.89 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 8.1 | 9.2 | 4.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 6.8 | 11.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND?
Fargo has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fargo, ND?
The median gross rent in Fargo is $916 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fargo?
The median home value in Fargo is $269,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fargo?
The median household income in Fargo is $66,029 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fargo, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fargo is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Fargo, ND affordable?
Yes, Fargo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fargo?
Fargo has average high temperatures of 52.6°F and average lows of 31.8°F. Annual precipitation is 23.9". Average annual snowfall is 51.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fargo at a Glance
- Population
- 129,064
- Median Income
- $66,029
- Home Value
- $269,800
- Median Rent
- $916/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Dakota Rankings
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