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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Fresno is 23% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,324/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 28%
$66,804/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 25%
$348,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 39%
$1,391/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 26%
543,615
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $16,949/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Fresno or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Sacramento?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Sacramento?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $16,949/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Sacramento details →

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