Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Fargo is 46% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$916/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 56%
$66,029/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 4%
$269,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 127%
$997/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 46%
129,064
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $2,349/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Fargo or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $2,349/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and East Los Angeles

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