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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Elk Grove is 130% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,180/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 58%
$122,229/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 46%
$603,400 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 55%
$2,227/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 55%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,264/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $15,168/year.

Median household income is $56,200/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Fargo — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Fargo?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,264/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Fargo?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $56,200/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Fargo

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres