Is it cheaper to live in Annapolis or Fargo?

Fargo, ND is cheaper. Its monthly baseline of $940 (1BR rent + utilities) runs about 48% below Annapolis, MD's $1,820, mainly because of rent.

How much more do you need to earn to live in Annapolis than in Fargo?

To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $64,000 a year in Annapolis versus $32,000 in Fargo.

Which has lower taxes, Annapolis or Fargo?

Annapolis is taxed under Maryland's rules (a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax); Fargo under North Dakota's (a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax).

Annapolis vs Fargo Cost of Living 2026

Annapolis

Maryland

$1,820/mo est.

Fargo

North Dakota

$940/mo est.

Monthly estimate = 1BR rent + electricity + gas

A one-person monthly baseline (1BR rent plus typical utilities) runs $1,820 in Annapolis, MD versus $940 in Fargo, ND. Overall, Fargo, ND is roughly 48% cheaper to live in day-to-day than Annapolis, MD, driven mainly by rent.

Median household income is $104,257 in Annapolis, MD and $66,029 in Fargo, ND — about 37% higher in Annapolis, MD. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.

Annapolis, MD

Fargo, ND

Rent

Studio

$1,239

$671

+46% in Annapolis, MD

1 Bedroom

$1,598

$804

+50% in Annapolis, MD

2 Bedroom

$1,864

$956

+49% in Annapolis, MD

3 Bedroom

$2,232

$1,368

+39% in Annapolis, MD

Buying a Home

Median Home Value

$510,200

$269,800

+47% in Annapolis, MD

Income

Median Household Income

$104,257

$66,029

+37% in Annapolis, MD

Metro Median Wage (annual)

$59,070

$51,050

+14% in Annapolis, MD

People & Lifestyle

Median Age

40.9 yr

32.2 yr

+8.7 yr in Annapolis, MD

Homeownership

59.8%

44.1%

+15.7 pp in Annapolis, MD

Bachelor's+ (25+)

53.7%

43.2%

+10.5 pp in Annapolis, MD

Avg Commute

28.7 min

15.8 min

+12.9 min in Annapolis, MD

Crime (per 100k/yr)

Violent Crime

806

504.9

+37% in Annapolis, MD

Property Crime

2,111.5

3,726.4

+76% in Fargo, ND

FBI Crime Data Explorer. Offenses per 100,000 residents per year; agency reporting practices vary, so this is approximate.

Climate

Avg Annual Temperature

57.1°F

42.4°F

+14.7°F in Annapolis, MD

Annual Precipitation

—

22.6 in

Gas

Regular Gasoline

$3.86/gal

$3.94/gal

+2% in Fargo, ND

Area: East Coast (PADD 1) vs Midwest (PADD 2).

Utilities

Electricity (¢/kWh)

21.8

13.6

+37% in Annapolis, MD

Natural Gas ($/MCF)

$18.94

$11.39

+40% in Annapolis, MD

Residential, state-level averages (EIA). MCF = 1,000 cubic feet.

Groceries

Milk (gal)

$4.00

$4.31

+8% in Fargo, ND

Bread (lb)

$1.75

$1.66

+5% in Annapolis, MD

Eggs (doz)

$2.21

$3.63

+64% in Fargo, ND

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.45

$6.77

+5% in Fargo, ND

Chicken (lb)

$1.90

$2.10

+10% in Fargo, ND

Bananas (lb)

$0.62

about equal

Average prices — South vs Midwest (BLS). Regional where available, otherwise U.S. average.

State Taxes

Sales Tax (MD / ND)

+1.0 pp in MD

Income Tax (top rate)

6.50%

2.50%

+4.0 pp in MD

Annapolis vs Fargo — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Annapolis or Fargo?: Fargo, ND is cheaper. Its monthly baseline of $940 (1BR rent + utilities) runs about 48% below Annapolis, MD's $1,820, mainly because of rent.
How much more do you need to earn to live in Annapolis than in Fargo?: To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $64,000 a year in Annapolis versus $32,000 in Fargo.
Which has lower taxes, Annapolis or Fargo?: Annapolis is taxed under Maryland's rules (a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax); Fargo under North Dakota's (a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax).

Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year (rent, income, home value, demographics); NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010 (climate); EIA weekly retail (gas); Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).