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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Fresno is 22% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,324/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 31%
$66,804/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 21%
$348,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 25%
$1,391/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 32%
543,615
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $14,347/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Fresno or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Palmdale?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Palmdale?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $14,347/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

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