Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Fargo is 16% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $62,838 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Dakota salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fargo has a housing index of 80 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Fargo costs $260,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Fargo versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fargo scores 98 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fargo (105) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fargo is $55,218 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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