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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Fresno is 18% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,324/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
$66,804/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 17%
$348,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 26%
$1,391/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 16%
543,615
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $11,352/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Fresno or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Vancouver?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Vancouver?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $11,352/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Vancouver details →

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