Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Fargo is 27% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $54,492 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Fargo costs $260,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Fargo versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fargo scores 98 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fargo (105) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fargo is $55,218 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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