Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Fresno is 28% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,324/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 5%
$66,804/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 2%
$348,500 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 41%
$1,391/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 16%
543,615
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $1,612/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Fresno or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Dearborn?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Dearborn?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $1,612/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Dearborn details →

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