Is Fargo, ND cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Fargo, ND is 11.8% cheaper than Joliet, IL. This translates to saving $885 per month.

What salary do I need in Fargo, ND to live like I do in Joliet, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $139,384.741 in Fargo, ND to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Joliet, IL and Fargo, ND?

Housing in Fargo, ND is 19.2% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $723/month in Fargo, ND compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Joliet, IL to Fargo, ND?

Moving from Joliet, IL to Fargo, ND could save you approximately $885 per month, or $10615 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Fargo, ND: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $885/month moving to Fargo, ND

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in Fargo, ND

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$885

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$205K

Fargo, ND

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$259K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K residents.

Fargo, ND

The Peace Garden State

133K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Dakota, this city has a population of 133K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Joliet, IL vs Fargo, ND

Category	Joliet, IL	Fargo, ND	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,558/mo	$2,067/mo	↓ $491less	19.2%
Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,129/mo	↓ $428less	27.5%
Other	$1,629/mo	$1,452/mo	↓ $177less	10.9%
Healthcare	$573/mo	$684/mo	↑ $111more	19.4%
Groceries	$991/mo	$931/mo	↓ $59.84less	6.0%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$460/mo	↓ $40.06less	8.0%

Housing

↓ 19.2%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Fargo, ND

$2,067

Difference

$491

less

Transportation

↓ 27.5%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Fargo, ND

$1,129

Difference

$428

less

Other

↓ 10.9%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Fargo, ND

$1,452

Difference

$177

less

Healthcare

↑ 19.4%

Joliet, IL

$573

Fargo, ND

$684

Difference

$111

Groceries

↓ 6.0%

Joliet, IL

$991

Fargo, ND

$931

Difference

$59.84

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.0%

Joliet, IL

$500

Fargo, ND

$460

Difference

$40.06

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,040

To$501

↓ $539

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$598

↓ $513

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$723

↓ $530

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,009

↓ $606

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

Fargo, NDZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$860/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$6,722

Monthly in Fargo, ND

$1,085

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Fargo

$205K

Median Value

$259K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.9%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$259K

Homes in Fargo are 26% more expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet Calculate payment - Fargo

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$387

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Joliet, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Fargo, ND

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Dakota State Tax

Effective: 1.9%

$2.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 26.5%

$39.8K

Take-Home Pay

$9,184/month

$110.2K

Additional Tax Information

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Fargo, ND Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.8%

Property Tax:1.0%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.