Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Fresno, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Fresno

California
101

Washington is 69% more expensive than Fresno.

$1,900/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 30%
$106,287/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 37%
$724,600 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$348,500 ↓ 52%
$2,103/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 34%
672,079
Population
543,615

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $39,483/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Fresno — common questions

Is Washington or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Fresno?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Fresno?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $39,483/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Fresno details →

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