Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Fresno is 38% more expensive than High Point.

$1,324/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 20%
$66,804/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 8%
$348,500 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 39%
$1,391/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 22%
543,615
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $5,576/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs High Point — common questions

Is Fresno or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and High Point?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or High Point?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $5,576/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View High Point details →

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