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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Fargo is 71% cheaper than Berkeley.

$916/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 132%
$66,029/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 64%
$269,800 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 401%
$997/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 135%
129,064
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,211/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $14,532/year.

Median household income is $42,529/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Fargo or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Berkeley?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,211/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Berkeley?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $42,529/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and California?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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