Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Fresno is 50% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,324/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 72%
$66,804/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 110%
$348,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 148%
$1,391/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 74%
543,615
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $951/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $11,412/year.

Median household income is $73,356/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Arlington — common questions

Is Fresno or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Arlington?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $951/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Arlington?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $73,356/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Arlington details →

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