Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Fargo, ND-MN MSA vs Bismarck, ND MSA

How do Fargo, ND-MN MSA and Bismarck, ND MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$917
Fargo, ND-MN MSA (1BR)
$1,030
Bismarck, ND MSA (1BR)
−11%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Fargo, ND-MN MSA
$917/mo 1BR
Population: 251,635
Metro
Bismarck, ND MSA
$1,030/mo 1BR
Population: 133,467

A 1-bedroom in Fargo, ND-MN MSA is 11% cheaper than Bismarck, ND MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($917 vs $1,030). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Fargo, ND-MN MSA Bismarck, ND MSA Difference
Studio $768 $961 −$193 (-20%)
1 Bedroom $917 $1,030 −$113 (-11%)
2 Bedroom $1,112 $1,175 −$63 (-5%)
3 Bedroom $1,547 $1,634 −$87 (-5%)
4 Bedroom $1,865 $1,884 −$19 (-1%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Fargo, ND-MN MSA is 4% below the US average. Bismarck, ND MSA is 7% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).