Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Fargo is 19% more affordable than Missoula. A $75,000 salary in Missoula is equivalent to $60,652 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 · Montana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fargo has a housing index of 80 while Missoula sits at 141 (national average = 100). The median home in Fargo costs $260,000 compared to $460,000 in Missoula, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Fargo versus $1,400 in Missoula.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fargo scores 98 while Missoula scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fargo (105) are higher than Missoula (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fargo is $55,218 compared to $49,234 in Missoula. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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