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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Irvine is 251% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,893/mo ↑ 216%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 68%
$129,647/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 49%
$1,115,400 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 76%
$2,904/mo ↑ 191%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 66%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,977/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $23,724/year.

Median household income is $63,618/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Fargo — common questions

Is Irvine or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Fargo?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,977/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Fargo?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $63,618/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Fargo details →

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