Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Fresno is 8% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,324/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 11%
$66,804/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 23%
$348,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 8%
$1,391/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 7%
543,615
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $15,620/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Fresno or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Raleigh?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Raleigh?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $15,620/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Raleigh details →

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