Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Des Moines is 4% more affordable than Fargo. A $75,000 salary in Fargo is equivalent to $71,774 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
Amazon affiliate links