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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

San Bernardino is 49% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,433/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 36%
$63,988/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 3%
$384,900 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 30%
$1,478/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 33%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $2,041/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fargo — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fargo?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fargo?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $2,041/year higher in Fargo.
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 San Bernardino or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Fargo details →

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