Santa Rosa, CA vs Fargo, ND: 172 vs 73

$2,084/mo ↑ 128%

Median Rent

$916/mo ↓ 56%

$97,410/yr ↑ 48%

Median Income

$66,029/yr ↓ 32%

$685,000 ↑ 154%

Home Value

$269,800 ↓ 61%

$2,130/mo ↑ 114%

Owner Costs

$997/mo ↓ 53%

177,216

Population

129,064

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,168/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $14,016/year.

Median household income is $31,381/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Fargo — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Fargo cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Fargo?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,168/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Fargo?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $31,381/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Fargo?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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.

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

Santa Rosa

Fargo

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons