Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Fargo is 17% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $62,277 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Dakota salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fargo has a housing index of 80 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Fargo costs $260,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Fargo versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fargo scores 98 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fargo (105) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fargo is $55,218 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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