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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fargo is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$916/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 161%
$66,029/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 67%
$269,800 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 291%
$997/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 147%
129,064
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,479/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $17,748/year.

Median household income is $44,044/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fargo or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,479/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $44,044/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Costa Mesa

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria