Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Fresno, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fresno

California
101

Denver is 46% more expensive than Fresno.

$1,770/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 25%
$91,681/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 27%
$586,700 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$348,500 ↓ 41%
$1,839/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 24%
713,734
Population
543,615

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $24,877/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fresno — common questions

Is Denver or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fresno?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fresno?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $24,877/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Fresno details →

More Comparisons

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