Median rent is 39% lower in Fresno ($1,421/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fresno, where the median home runs $374,800 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $70,991 a year). Taken together, Fresno is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 109.5 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Fresno is 16% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Fresno vs 109.5 in Arlington (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Fresno, CA
How much would you need to earn in Fresno, CA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Fresno, CA
$62,889
You could earn $12,111 less (16% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Fresno
California
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fresno — median rent of $1,421/mo versus $2,322/mo in Arlington, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $374,800 in Fresno — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Fresno
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 53.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Fresno if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 109.5).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Fresno if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,421/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Fresno?
Fresno is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Fresno.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Fresno?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,421/mo in Fresno, CA. Fresno, CA has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Fresno?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $70,991 in Fresno, CA. Arlington, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 53.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Fresno?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Fresno to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $83,852 in Fresno, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
