Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Fremont is 83% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,905/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 38%
$176,350/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 36%
$1,289,400 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 53%
$3,000/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 35%
228,518
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,103/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $13,236/year.

Median household income is $62,954/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Arvada — common questions

Is Fremont or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Arvada?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $1,103/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Arvada?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $62,954/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Arvada

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence