Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Fargo is 13% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin 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: Texas salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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