Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Irvine, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Irvine

California
256

Fresno is 61% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,324/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 119%
$66,804/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 94%
$348,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 220%
$1,391/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 109%
543,615
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,569/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $18,828/year.

Median household income is $62,843/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Irvine — common questions

Is Fresno or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Irvine?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,569/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Irvine?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $62,843/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Irvine details →

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