Bismarck, ND vs Fargo, ND: Cost of Living Comparison
Fargo has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bismarck | Fargo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 93 | 86 | Fargo |
| Housing | 84 ($694) | 77 ($641) | Fargo |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 100 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 104 ($426) | 88 ($361) | Fargo |
| Utilities | 92 ($151) | 89 ($139) | Fargo |
| Healthcare | 92 ($109) | 89 ($100) | Fargo |
| Median annual wage | 108 ($52,480) | 108 ($52,480) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bismarck, ND or Fargo, ND cheaper to live in?
Fargo, ND is cheaper overall by about 7 index points (Bismarck, ND: 93, Fargo, ND: 86; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bismarck, ND vs Fargo, ND?
A single adult needs roughly $32,550/year in Bismarck, ND and $30,100/year in Fargo, ND to cover basic living costs.