Is Fresno expensive to live in?

Fresno is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 105 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 5% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,693, and the median household income is $66,804.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Fresno?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $67,720/year to afford median rent in Fresno. The median household income is $66,804, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 30%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Fresno?

The median rent in Fresno is $1,693 per month. Housing costs score 112 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 12% more expensive than the US average.

How does Fresno compare to the national average cost of living?

Fresno's overall cost index is 105 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (112), food & groceries (103), transportation (100), utilities (96), and healthcare (108). Fresno is above average in most categories.

Is Fresno, California a good place to live?

Fresno has a population of 545,716 and a median household income of $66,804. With a cost index of 105, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 30%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Fresno?

To find the most affordable cities near Fresno in California, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the California state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Fresno

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 105

Median rent: $1,693

Median income: $66,804

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About Fresno

Living in Fresno, California

Fresno, California is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 545,716. The overall cost of living index sits at 105, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 5% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Fresno. Median rent is $1,693 per month, while the median home price is $386,426. At a median household income of $66,804, rent consumes roughly 30% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 112 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Fresno with a sub-index of 108, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 96. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: California applies a 13.30% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.71% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.85%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Fresno has trended upward. Among the 61 tracked cities in California, Fresno ranks #2 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Fresno actually costs.

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