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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Oakland

California
195

Fresno is 48% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,324/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 45%
$66,804/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 46%
$348,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 165%
$1,391/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 56%
543,615
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $30,565/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Oakland — common questions

Is Fresno or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Oakland?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Oakland?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $30,565/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Oakland details →

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