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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Fresno is 38% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,324/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 31%
$66,804/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 1%
$348,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 23%
$1,391/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 28%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $775/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fargo — common questions

Is Fresno or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fargo?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fargo?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $775/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Fargo details →

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