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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Downey

California
169

Fargo is 57% cheaper than Downey.

$916/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 107%
$66,029/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 32%
$269,800 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 170%
$997/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 100%
129,064
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $976/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,712/year.

Median household income is $21,371/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Downey — common questions

Is Fargo or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Downey?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $976/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Downey?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $21,371/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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