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Childcare Cost in Fargo, ND

By Sarah Chen ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$14,848
MONTHLY
$1,237
VS NATIONAL
-7%
COST INDEX
94

Direct Answer

Childcare Cost in Fargo, ND averages approximately $14,848/year ($1,237/month) โ€” 7% below the US national average of $16,000. Typical range: $9,651โ€“$21,530 depending on household and provider.

Childcare Cost Range in Fargo

Budget-Conscious
$9,651/yr
~$804/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$14,848/yr
~$1,237/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$21,530/yr
~$1,794/mo ยท 45% above average

How Fargo Compares

Fargo's childcare cost runs $1,152 less per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 94, Fargo is positioned in the middle of US cost rankings, with childcare cost tracking close to national pricing.

โ„น More expensive nearby: Minneapolis, MN (214 mi) costs more โ€” index 106.

Childcare Cost in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Fargo, ND This page94$14,848-7%
New York, NY187$32,704+104%
Los Angeles, CA166$28,672+79%
Chicago, IL107$17,344+8%
Houston, TX96$15,232-5%
Phoenix, AZ103$16,576+4%
View all 300+ cities ranked by childcare cost โ†’

How to Save on Childcare Cost in Fargo

1

Shop providers annually โ€” childcare cost pricing in Fargo varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within ND, childcare cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for childcare cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Fargo discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Fargo and ND may offer income-based reductions for childcare cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Fargo

See how other major expenses look in Fargo, ND.

See the full Fargo cost-of-living profile โ†’

Fargo Childcare Cost โ€” FAQ

What is the average childcare cost in Fargo, ND?

The average childcare cost in Fargo, ND is approximately $14,848 per year ($1,237/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 94 applied to the national baseline of $16,000.

Is childcare cost expensive in Fargo?

No โ€” childcare cost in Fargo runs about 7% below the US national average, helped by a city-wide cost index of 94. The annual cost is roughly $1,152 less than the national figure.

How much does childcare cost cost per month in Fargo?

Monthly childcare cost in Fargo averages about $1,237. Households typically see $804โ€“$1,794 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives childcare cost differences between cities?

Childcare Cost pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 94 for Fargo) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.