Median rent is 30% lower in Fresno ($1,324/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fresno, where the median home runs $348,500 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $66,804 a year). Taken together, Fresno is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fresno, CA.
Quick verdict
Fresno is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.9 in Fresno vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Fresno, CA
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Fresno, CA?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$92,509
You'd need $17,509 more (23% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Fresno
California
Los Angeles
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fresno — median rent of $1,324/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $348,500 in Fresno — 60% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so Los Angeles is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; Los Angeles has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Fresno
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Fresno has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 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 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Fresno if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,324/mo median).
Pick Fresno if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Is Fresno cheaper than Los Angeles?
Fresno is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Fresno.
How much is rent in Fresno vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,324/mo in Fresno, CA and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Fresno, CA has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Fresno or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno, CA and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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?
Fresno, CA has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Fresno or Los Angeles?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Fresno income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fresno, CA is equivalent to roughly $123,346 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology