Moving from Fargo to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 89 for Fargo (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 7% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$56 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
89 → 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250 → $1,350
per month
State tax
2.5% → None
income tax
COL difference
89 → 95
7% more expensive
Salary needed in Houston to match your Fargo lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fargo | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,697 |
| $50K | $53,371 |
| $60K | $64,045 |
| $75K | $80,056 |
| $80K | $85,393 |
| $100K | $106,742 |
| $120K | $128,090 |
| $150K | $160,112 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$148/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Fargo vs Houston
| Expense | Fargo | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $369 | $357 |
| Transport | $50 | $90 |
| Utilities | $155 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,695 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Fargo?
No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 89 for Fargo (100 = US average). That's about 7% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Fargo to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fargo to Houston saves roughly $56/month on core expenses. That's ~$672/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Fargo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fargo, you'd need roughly $80,056/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Houston to FargoFargo vs Houston — full comparisonFargo cost of livingHouston cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only