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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Fargo is 58% cheaper than Murrieta.

$916/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 154%
$66,029/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 66%
$269,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 125%
$997/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 139%
129,064
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,414/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $16,968/year.

Median household income is $43,751/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Fargo or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Murrieta?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,414/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Murrieta?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $43,751/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

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