2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Fargo, ND vs Mason City, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Mason City or is it cheaper to live in Fargo?
- Mason City is 19.1% less expensive than Fargo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Mason City or Fargo?
- Mason City housing costs are 57.2% less expensive than Fargo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Fargo or is Health Care more affordable in Mason City.
- Health related expenses are 5.8% more in Mason City.
 Fargo, NDMason City, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock73.3100
 Food & Groceries99.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock100.5100
 Housing86.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$137,100$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock59.1100
 Miscellaneous108.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Fargo    32 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Grew up in Fargo/Northern MN area and was there 29 years. It’s cheap to live, tons of things to do in the summer. But 3-6 months of the year you more than likely will  More

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Tyrel · 

Grew up in south Minneapolis and headed 3 hours west to Fargo. Why did I want to leave the Twin Cities area? Found a great job. Nicer apartment for less money. Nice  More

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Not your typical North Dakota town. Fargo is on the Minnesota border and Cass County makes up 1/4 of the entire states population. It is the urban center and much more  More

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Reviews for Mason City    8 Reviews

I am from the area originally and have lived several places. I recently moved back from Arizona. I moved back to help with my elderly parents. If I did not have  More

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Over 13 years ago

Where to begin?? Murder,arson,abductions,beastialty,gang killings,meth labs,pantie thiefs. High utility bills, no jobs, corrupt police, evil judges, minus 40 below wind  More

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Over 14 years ago

Unless you have a tie to Mason City, such as family, don't even consider this desolate town. The population is declining rapidly for a reason. You are on an island,  More

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