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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Fresno is 49% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,324/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 88%
$66,804/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 80%
$348,500 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 107%
$1,391/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 90%
543,615
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,162/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $13,944/year.

Median household income is $53,122/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Fresno or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,162/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $53,122/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Santa Clarita details →

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