Median rent is 30% lower in Fresno ($1,421/mo vs $2,030/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fresno, where the median home runs $374,800 versus $938,600. Households earn more in Seattle ($123,860 vs $70,991 a year). Taken together, Fresno is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 112.7 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Cost of living verdict
Fresno is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Fresno vs 112.7 in Seattle (US national average = 100)
City A
Fresno, CA
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Fresno, CA?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$92,046
You'd need $17,046 more (23% higher).
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
Fresno
California
Seattle
Washington
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 $2,030/mo in Seattle, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $938,600 versus $374,800 in Fresno — 60% 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.
Fresno
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Seattle
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Fresno averages 53.0 AQI (Moderate) and Seattle averages 52.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Fresno if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 112.7).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($123,860/yr).
Pick Fresno if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,421/mo median).
Is Fresno cheaper than Seattle?
Fresno is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 112.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Fresno.
How much is rent in Fresno vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,421/mo in Fresno, CA and $2,030/mo in Seattle, WA. Fresno, CA has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Fresno or Seattle?
Median household income is $70,991 in Fresno, CA and $123,860 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA 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?
Seattle, WA has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 53.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Fresno or Seattle?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my Fresno income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fresno, CA is equivalent to roughly $122,728 in Seattle, WA (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
