Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Fargo is 13% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $65,187 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fargo has a housing index of 80 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Fargo costs $260,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Fargo versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fargo scores 98 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fargo (105) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Fargo is $55,218 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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