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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Riverside

California
144

Fresno is 30% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,324/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 37%
$66,804/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 33%
$348,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 56%
$1,391/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 35%
543,615
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $21,771/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Riverside — common questions

Is Fresno or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Riverside?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Riverside?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $21,771/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Riverside details →

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