Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Bakersfield is 42% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,371/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 33%
$77,397/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 15%
$347,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 22%
$1,540/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 35%
408,366
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $11,368/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fargo — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fargo?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fargo?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $11,368/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and North Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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