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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Fresno is 40% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,324/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 36%
$66,804/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 26%
$348,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 119%
$1,391/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 36%
543,615
Population
458,491

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
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $17,165/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Fresno or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Long Beach?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Long Beach?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $17,165/year higher in Long 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 Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Long Beach details →

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