Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Fresno is 56% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,324/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 83%
$66,804/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 79%
$348,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 201%
$1,391/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 75%
543,615
Population
196,010

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,100/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $13,200/year.

Median household income is $53,081/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Fresno or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,100/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $53,081/year higher in Huntington Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Huntington Beach details →

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