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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fargo is 71% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$916/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 192%
$66,029/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 111%
$269,800 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 329%
$997/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 181%
129,064
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,762/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $21,144/year.

Median household income is $73,297/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fargo or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,762/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $73,297/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Carlsbad

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin