Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Detroit is 4% more affordable than Fargo. A $75,000 salary in Fargo is equivalent to $71,774 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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