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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Palmdale is 78% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,736/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 47%
$81,151/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 19%
$435,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 38%
$1,831/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 46%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $15,122/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Fargo — common questions

Is Palmdale or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Fargo?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Fargo?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $15,122/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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