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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Santa Clarita is 170% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,486/mo ↑ 171%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 63%
$119,926/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 45%
$721,000 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 63%
$2,649/mo ↑ 166%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 62%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,570/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $18,840/year.

Median household income is $53,897/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Fargo — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Fargo?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,570/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Fargo?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $53,897/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Fargo

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres