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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fargo is 55% cheaper than Richmond.

$916/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 107%
$66,029/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 36%
$269,800 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 141%
$997/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 102%
129,064
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $979/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,748/year.

Median household income is $24,009/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fargo or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Richmond?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $979/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Richmond?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $24,009/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Richmond

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell