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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Orange

California
206

Fresno is 51% cheaper than Orange.

$1,324/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 70%
$66,804/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 75%
$348,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 158%
$1,391/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 72%
543,615
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $928/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $11,136/year.

Median household income is $50,141/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Orange — common questions

Is Fresno or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Orange?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $928/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Orange?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $50,141/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Orange details →

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