Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fresno is 58% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,324/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 107%
$66,804/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 89%
$348,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 199%
$1,391/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 89%
543,615
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,418/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $17,016/year.

Median household income is $59,665/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fresno or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,418/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Cambridge?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $59,665/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Cambridge details →

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