Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Fresno is 6% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,324/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 28%
$66,804/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 15%
$348,500 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 16%
$1,391/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 11%
543,615
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $10,264/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Brandon — common questions

Is Fresno or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Brandon?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Brandon?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $10,264/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Brandon details →

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