Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fresno is 15% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,324/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 29%
$66,804/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 4%
$348,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 6%
$1,391/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 20%
543,615
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $2,457/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fresno or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $2,457/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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