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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Fontana is 100% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,733/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 47%
$98,187/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 33%
$558,500 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 52%
$1,990/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 50%
211,921
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $32,158/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Fargo — common questions

Is Fontana or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Fargo?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Fargo?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $32,158/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and North Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Fargo details →

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