Is Fargo, ND cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Fargo, ND is 13.8% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $1032 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $137,621.633 in Fargo, ND to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fargo, ND is 14.6% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $723/month in Fargo, ND compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Moving from Rockford, IL to Fargo, ND could save you approximately $1032 per month, or $12378 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Fargo, ND

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.6K in Fargo, ND

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,032

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.4K

Per year

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

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$158K

Fargo, ND

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$259K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 146K 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: Rockford, IL vs Fargo, ND

Category	Rockford, IL	Fargo, ND	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$2,067/mo	↓ $352less	14.6%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,452/mo	↓ $296less	16.9%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,129/mo	↓ $244less	17.8%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$460/mo	↓ $42.32less	8.4%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$684/mo	↓ $26.22less	3.7%
Groceries	$948/mo	$931/mo	↓ $16.61less	1.8%

Housing

↓ 14.6%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Fargo, ND

$2,067

Difference

$352

less

Other

↓ 16.9%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Fargo, ND

$1,452

Difference

$296

less

Transportation

↓ 17.8%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Fargo, ND

$1,129

Difference

$244

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.4%

Rockford, IL

$502

Fargo, ND

$460

Difference

$42.32

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Rockford, IL

$710

Fargo, ND

$684

Difference

$26.22

less

Groceries

↓ 1.8%

Rockford, IL

$948

Fargo, ND

$931

Difference

$16.61

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$501

↓ $138

1 Bed

From$705

To$598

↓ $107

2 Bed

From$921

To$723

↓ $198

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,009

↓ $210

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$6,722

Monthly in Fargo, ND

$978

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Fargo

$158K

Median Value

$259K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.9%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$259K

Homes in Fargo are 64% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford 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

Rockford, 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

Rockford, 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.