The $100,000 Salary Analysis for West Fargo

This guide strips away the hype. West Fargo, ND isn't a high-cost coastal metro, but $100k isn't "rich" money once the tax man takes his share. We're looking at raw Net Pay against the realities of living in the Northern Plains. All numbers are annual estimates for a single filer with the standard deduction.

1. The Verification Test

Your offer letter says $100,000. Your bank account will say something different. Here is the math:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est.): -$14,129 (Progressive brackets)
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• North Dakota State Tax: -$2,820 (ND has a graduated bracket system; top rate kicks in high, but effective rate is moderate)

Estimated Net Pay (Take-Home): $75,401
(~$6,283/month)

Purchasing Power: You are losing roughly 25% of your gross income to taxes before you pay a single bill.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using your $75,401 Net Pay ($6,283/month):

Needs (50%): $37,700 / year ($3,142/month)

• Rent (1BR/2BR avg): $900 - $1,200. West Fargo rents are reasonable but rising. Let's budget $1,100.
• Utilities (Heat/Electric): $200 - $300. Winters are long and electric rates aren't cheap.
• Groceries: $400.
• Car Payment/Gas: $500 (Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is mandatory).
• Remaining Needs Buffer: $642 (Insurance, phone, etc.).

Wants (30%): $22,620 / year ($1,885/month)

• Dining out, entertainment, hobbies.
• Note: This category is where you feel "wealthy" in West Fargo. Your dollar goes further here than in Chicago or Denver.

Savings (20%): $15,080 / year ($1,256/month)

• This is your retirement, emergency fund, or down payment.
• Reality Check: If you have student loans or a high car note, this 20% is the first thing to vanish.

3. West Fargo Tax Context

North Dakota sits in the middle of the spectrum.

• vs. Texas/Florida: $100k in West Fargo nets you roughly $6,000 less than in a no-income-tax state like Texas. You pay for the privilege of ND infrastructure and services.
• vs. California/New York: $100k in West Fargo nets you roughly $10,000 - $12,000 more than in high-tax states like CA or NY.
• Local Tax: There is no local income tax levied by the City of West Fargo.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a comfortable middle-class income. You will pay your bills on time, afford a decent apartment, and drive a new car. However, it does not make you "rich" in West Fargo. It provides stability, not luxury.

"Local income tax?"
No. You only pay Federal and North Dakota State income tax.