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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Fresno is 34% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,324/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 36%
$66,804/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 70%
$348,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 72%
$1,391/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 40%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $46,592/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Arvada — common questions

Is Fresno or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Arvada?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Arvada?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $46,592/year higher in Arvada.
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 Fresno or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Arvada details →

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