Fresno, California has an overall cost of living index of 91.9, which is 8.1 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,324 per month, while the typical home is valued around $348,500. Households earn a median of $66,804 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 55. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$66,804
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,324
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$348,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
91.9
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,347
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,355
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,664
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,314
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
91.9
Goods
95.6
Rents / Housing
70.9
Services
80.8
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $113,410 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $85,510 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $47,590 |
| ⚡Electrician | $54,240 |
| 📊Accountant | $77,200 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
543,615
Latest estimate
Median Age
32.4 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
55.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Fresno?
Fresno has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 91.9. The US national average is 100, so Fresno is 8.1 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Fresno?
The median gross rent in Fresno is $1,324 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Fresno?
The median household income in Fresno is $66,804 per year.
What is the median home value in Fresno?
The median home value in Fresno is $348,500 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Fresno?
Fresno has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 55.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Fresno?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology