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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Modesto is 64% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,609/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 43%
$77,899/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 15%
$415,600 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 35%
$1,613/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 38%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $693/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,316/year.

Median household income is $11,870/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fargo — common questions

Is Modesto or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fargo?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $693/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fargo?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $11,870/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Fargo

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres