Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Baton Rouge 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: Louisiana salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baton Rouge has a housing index of 75 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Baton Rouge costs $195,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Baton Rouge versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baton Rouge scores 96 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baton Rouge (93) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baton Rouge is $44,982 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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