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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Santa Ana is 123% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,975/mo ↑ 116%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 54%
$88,354/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 25%
$657,800 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 59%
$1,965/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 49%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,059/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $12,708/year.

Median household income is $22,325/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Fargo — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Fargo?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,059/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Fargo?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $22,325/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Fargo details →

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