Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Fargo is 12% more affordable than Boise. A $75,000 salary in Boise is equivalent to $65,802 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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