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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Fresno is 3% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,324/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ≈ Same
$66,804/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 6%
$348,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 6%
$1,391/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 1%
543,615
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,133/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fresno or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 101 (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 $1,314/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Richmond?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $4,133/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Richmond details →

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