Cost of Living in Fresno, CA
Population 543,615 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
As one of the larger cities in California, Fresno carries the economic weight typical of a major metro — diversified employment, a broader housing market, and household incomes around $66,804 that reflect a mix of high and low earners. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fresno
The median home value in Fresno is $348,500 — 14% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,324/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,804/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Fresno has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fresno, CA?
Fresno has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fresno, CA?
The median gross rent in Fresno is $1,324 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fresno?
The median home value in Fresno is $348,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fresno?
The median household income in Fresno is $66,804 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fresno, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fresno is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fresno, CA affordable?
Fresno is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).
Fresno at a Glance
- Population
- 543,615
- Median Income
- $66,804
- Home Value
- $348,500
- Median Rent
- $1,324/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
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