Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Fresno is 20% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,324/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 21%
$66,804/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 26%
$348,500 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 30%
$1,391/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 26%
543,615
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $17,053/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Fresno or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Tacoma?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Tacoma?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $17,053/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Tacoma details →

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