Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Fresno is 9% cheaper than Eugene.

$1,324/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↑ 2%
$66,804/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 25%
$1,391/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↑ 2%
543,615
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,968/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Eugene — common questions

Is Fresno or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Eugene?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Eugene?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $2,968/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Eugene details →

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