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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

San Francisco is 266% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,419/mo ↑ 164%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 62%
$141,446/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 53%
$1,380,500 ↑ 412%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 80%
$2,620/mo ↑ 163%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 62%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,503/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $18,036/year.

Median household income is $75,417/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Fargo — common questions

Is San Francisco or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Fargo?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,503/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Fargo?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $75,417/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Fargo details →

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