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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Lancaster is 70% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,696/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 46%
$76,083/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 13%
$409,100 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 34%
$1,746/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 43%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $10,054/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Fargo — common questions

Is Lancaster or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Fargo?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Fargo?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $10,054/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Fargo

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres