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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

San Jose is 248% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,617/mo ↑ 186%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 65%
$141,565/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 53%
$1,187,800 ↑ 340%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 77%
$2,775/mo ↑ 178%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 64%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,701/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $20,412/year.

Median household income is $75,536/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Fargo — common questions

Is San Jose or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Fargo?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,701/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Fargo?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $75,536/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Fargo

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres