Fargo, ND Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Fargo, ND metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Fargo
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Fargo, ND metropolitan area run 8.0% below the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 92.0 on a base of 100). That puts Fargo close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every North Dakota household — see the North Dakota state report.
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND?
The Fargo, ND metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 92.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 8.0% below the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Fargo an affordable place to live?
Fargo, ND has an InflationRank score of 83/100 (grade B), reflecting above-average affordability relative to U.S. metros. The metro RPP of 92.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Fargo compare to other cities for cost of living?
Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92.0 (U.S.=100), 8.0% below the national average. Similar-cost metros include Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA (RPP 92.0), Knoxville, TN (RPP 92.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →