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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Torrance

California
218

Fresno is 54% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,324/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 67%
$66,804/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 69%
$348,500 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 197%
$1,391/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 65%
543,615
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $46,301/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Torrance — common questions

Is Fresno or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Torrance?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Torrance?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $46,301/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Torrance details →

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