Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Fresno, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fresno

California
101

Los Angeles is 86% more expensive than Fresno.

$1,879/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 30%
$80,366/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 17%
$879,500 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$348,500 ↓ 60%
$2,055/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 32%
3,857,897
Population
543,615

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $13,562/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fresno — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fresno?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fresno?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $13,562/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Fresno details →