Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Fresno is 60% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,324/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 61%
$66,804/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 63%
$348,500 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 288%
$1,391/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 68%
543,615
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $41,754/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Fresno or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Berkeley?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Berkeley?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $41,754/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Berkeley details →

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