Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Fargo is 8% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $69,059 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Fargo (105).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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