Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Fresno is 17% cheaper than Reno.

$1,324/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 10%
$66,804/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 17%
$348,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 43%
$1,391/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 7%
543,615
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $11,644/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Reno — common questions

Is Fresno or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Reno?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Reno?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $11,644/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Reno details →

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