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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Stockton is 58% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,495/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 39%
$76,851/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 14%
$412,900 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 35%
$1,555/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 36%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $10,822/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fargo — common questions

Is Stockton or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fargo?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fargo?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $10,822/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Fargo

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres