Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Atlanta, GA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Fresno is 17% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,324/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 22%
$66,804/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 23%
$348,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 21%
$1,391/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 22%
543,615
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $15,134/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Fresno or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Atlanta?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Atlanta?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $15,134/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Atlanta details →

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