Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Fargo is 15% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $63,991 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fargo has a housing index of 80 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Fargo costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Fargo versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fargo scores 98 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fargo (105) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fargo is $55,218 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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