Skyline of Fresno
Cost of Living: 102.5 542,107

Fresno, CA, US

Agricultural capital with proximity to Yosemite, cheaper than coastal CA, but hot summers.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 102.5

Above Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 98.5

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 6.5%

Job market health

Fresno vs US Average

Cost of Living
Fresno: 102.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Fresno: 98.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Fresno: 9.3%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.3%
  • Sales Tax: 8.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 6.5%
  • Population: 542,107

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 267/year
  • Summer High: 98°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $360,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1300/mo

Cost of Living

Fresno's cost of living index is 102.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryFresnoNational AverageDifference
Overall102.5100+2.5%
Housing98.5100-1.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$360,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1300/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,625/mo
Price per Sq Ft$240

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Fresno:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$240Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$241Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$75Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$65Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$35Private service
Total Utilities$656Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Fresno

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,560/mo.

Fresno Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,430/mo.

East Fresno

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,170/mo.

West Fresno

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,235/mo.

Remote Work Score

Fresno scores 118/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 267 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Fresno has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April83°F53°F2.8"
July98°F73°F1.5"
October78°F56°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.3%
  • Sales Tax: 7.975%
  • Property Tax: ~1.15% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fresno, CA, US?

The cost of living index in Fresno is 102.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Fresno?

The median home price in Fresno is $360,000. The housing index is 98.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fresno is approximately $1300/mo.

Does Fresno, CA have income tax?

Fresno is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 9.3%.

What is the climate like in Fresno?

Fresno enjoys approximately 267 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,98°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.38°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.