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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Fargo is 64% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$916/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 174%
$66,029/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 78%
$269,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 179%
$997/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 158%
129,064
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,597/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $19,164/year.

Median household income is $51,674/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Fargo or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,597/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $51,674/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Simi Valley

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Simi Valley vs. Pearland Simi Valley vs. Thousand Oaks Simi Valley vs. Topeka Simi Valley vs. Allentown Simi Valley vs. Athens Simi Valley vs. Palm Bay