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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fargo is 56% cheaper than Fairfield.

$916/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 139%
$66,029/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 55%
$269,800 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 120%
$997/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 123%
129,064
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,275/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $15,300/year.

Median household income is $36,292/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fargo or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,275/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Fairfield?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $36,292/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Fairfield

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill