Cost of Living Comparison for Fresno, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Fresno's cost of living index is 103 — 3% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Fresno local data
How Fresno Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Fresno stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Fresno, CA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $345,000 | $420,800 | -18.0% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,273 | $1,713 | -25.7% |
| Median Household Income | $56,600 | $74,580 | -24.1% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.75% | 1.10% | -31.8% |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 100 | +3.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Fresno Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 1,010,000
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg Commute
- 24 min
- Median Age
- 31.7
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 22.6x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,588
Cost of Living Comparison in Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Fresno
What is the median home price in Fresno, CA?
The median home price in Fresno is $345,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Fresno?
Median monthly rent in Fresno is $1,273. That works out to $15,276/year, or 27% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Fresno affordable?
Fresno's cost of living index is 103 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $56,600/year and a median home price of $345,000, the price-to-income ratio is 6.1x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical Fresno household.
What is the property tax rate in Fresno?
The effective property tax rate in Fresno is 0.75% of assessed value. On the median home of $345,000, that's roughly $2,588/year ($216/month).