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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fargo is 68% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$916/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 182%
$66,029/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 103%
$269,800 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 253%
$997/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 173%
129,064
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,664/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $19,968/year.

Median household income is $68,338/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fargo or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,664/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $68,338/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Thousand Oaks

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