Moving from St. Louis to Fargo (2026)
Fargo has a COL index of 89 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$77 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8789
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300$1,250
per month
State tax
4.7%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,447$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Fargo to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Fargo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,920 |
| $50K | $51,149 |
| $60K | $61,379 |
| $75K | $76,724 |
| $80K | $81,839 |
| $100K | $102,299 |
| $120K | $122,759 |
| $150K | $153,448 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Fargo
| Expense | St. Louis | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $369 | $369 |
| Transport | $75 | $50 |
| Utilities | $162 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $2,695 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fargo cheaper than St. Louis?
No. Fargo has a cost of living index of 89 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Fargo?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Fargo could save roughly $77/month on core expenses. That's ~$924/year.
What salary do I need in Fargo to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $76,724/year in Fargo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Fargo to St. LouisSt. Louis vs Fargo — full comparisonSt. Louis cost of livingFargo cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only