Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Warren, MI (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Fresno is 38% more expensive than Warren.

$1,324/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 11%
$66,804/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↓ 5%
$348,500 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 48%
$1,391/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 21%
543,615
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $3,063/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Warren — common questions

Is Fresno or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Warren?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Warren?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $3,063/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Warren details →

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