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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Ventura

California
183

Fargo is 60% cheaper than Ventura.

$916/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 129%
$66,029/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 52%
$269,800 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 189%
$997/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 112%
129,064
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,185/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $14,220/year.

Median household income is $34,378/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Ventura — common questions

Is Fargo or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Ventura?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,185/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Ventura?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $34,378/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Ventura

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley