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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Los Angeles is 156% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,879/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 51%
$80,366/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 18%
$879,500 ↑ 226%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 69%
$2,055/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 51%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $14,337/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fargo — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fargo?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fargo?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $14,337/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fargo details →

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