Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Fargo is 14% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $64,583 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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