Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Fresno is 67% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,324/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 125%
$66,804/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 160%
$348,500 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 338%
$1,391/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 119%
543,615
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,661/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $19,932/year.

Median household income is $106,866/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Fresno or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,661/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $106,866/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Santa Clara

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville