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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Oakland is 167% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,917/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 52%
$97,369/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 32%
$924,700 ↑ 243%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 71%
$2,164/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 54%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,001/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $12,012/year.

Median household income is $31,340/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Fargo — common questions

Is Oakland or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Fargo?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,001/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Fargo?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $31,340/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Fargo

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres