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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

San Diego is 170% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,223/mo ↑ 143%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 59%
$104,321/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 37%
$848,500 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 68%
$2,308/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 57%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,307/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $15,684/year.

Median household income is $38,292/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Fargo — common questions

Is San Diego or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Fargo?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,307/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Fargo?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $38,292/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Fargo details →

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