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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Ontario

California
152

Fresno is 34% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,324/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 45%
$66,804/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 24%
$348,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 63%
$1,391/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 41%
543,615
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $16,002/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Ontario — common questions

Is Fresno or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Ontario?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Ontario?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $16,002/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Ontario details →

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