Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Fargo is 13% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago 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: Illinois salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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