Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Fresno is 28% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,324/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
$66,804/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 23%
$348,500 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 36%
$1,391/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 8%
543,615
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $15,465/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fresno or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Springfield?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Springfield?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $15,465/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Springfield details →

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