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

Orange

California
206
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Orange is 182% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,252/mo ↑ 146%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 59%
$116,945/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 44%
$900,700 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 70%
$2,394/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 58%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,336/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $16,032/year.

Median household income is $50,916/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Fargo — common questions

Is Orange or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Fargo?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,336/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Fargo?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $50,916/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Fargo

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres