City Comparison
West Fargo vs Tigard
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Fargo scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
West Fargo
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
West Fargo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Tigard.
| Metric | West Fargo | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $1,800 | -6% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,620 | $2,800 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 2% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, West Fargo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in West Fargo is estimated at
$52,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | West Fargo | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,565 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $90,665 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
West Fargo runs warmer on average — a 44.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, West Fargo comes out ahead with 270 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — West Fargo sees 30.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | West Fargo | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 44.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 1.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 28.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 30.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
West Fargo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Tigard.
West Fargo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Fargo | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tigard is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of West Fargo.
From a growth perspective, West Fargo is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, West Fargo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | West Fargo | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,027 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 33.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
West Fargo
Advantages
Median household income stands strong at $90,665, outperforming many regional peers per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Crime rates are well below the national average, ensuring a very secure environment for families per local safety reports.
Rapid population growth reflects high local satisfaction and strong economic vitality per municipal estimates.
A high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, fostering a skilled and progressive workforce.
Proximity to Fargo provides immediate access to major metropolitan amenities while maintaining a distinct suburban feel.
Drawbacks
Winters feature severe sub-zero temperatures and significant seasonal challenges based on local climate metrics.
High car dependency limits viable public transit alternatives for daily errands per demographic transit profiles.
Property tax rates in Cass County can be notable relative to overall home valuations per municipal tax data.
Seasonal weather extremes require higher home winterization and utility overhead costs.
Rental vacancy rates can tighten quickly during peak moving seasons due to high regional demand.
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
West Fargo
#22North Dakota, USA
72.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,700
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
44.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
Tigard
#505Oregon, USA
52.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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