Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Fargo is 18% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $61,184 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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