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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fresno is 37% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,324/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 43%
$66,804/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 35%
$348,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 87%
$1,391/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 45%
543,615
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $23,234/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fresno or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Richmond?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Richmond?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $23,234/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Richmond

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell