Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Albuquerque and Fargo have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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