Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Fargo is 21% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $59,110 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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