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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Pasadena is 201% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,218/mo ↑ 142%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 59%
$103,778/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 36%
$1,045,000 ↑ 287%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 74%
$2,340/mo ↑ 135%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 57%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,302/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $15,624/year.

Median household income is $37,749/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Fargo — common questions

Is Pasadena or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Fargo?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,302/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Fargo?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $37,749/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Fargo details →

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