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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Ontario is 108% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,916/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 52%
$82,806/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 20%
$568,000 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 52%
$1,967/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 49%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,000/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $12,000/year.

Median household income is $16,777/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Fargo — common questions

Is Ontario or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Fargo?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,000/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Fargo?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $16,777/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Fargo

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres