Cost Of Living & Real Estate

Fresno Comes Out on Top Among California's Largest Cities

Here is a breakdown of the cost of living between the 5 largest cities in California. This is from an independent 3rd party website, Sperling’s Best Places to Live, and really shows how far your dollar goes in Fresno as compared to other cities. I have also included some additional information on Fresno for you to review.

FRESNO VS SAN FRANCISCO

A salary of $450,000 in Fresno, California should increase to $1,271,939 in San Francisco, California. Overall, San Francisco, California is 162.5% more expensive than Fresno, California. Median Home Cost is 456% more expensive in San Francisco.

FRESNO VS SACRAMENTO

A salary of $450,000 in Fresno, California should increase to $532,236 in Sacramento, California. Overall, Sacramento, California is 15.2% more expensive than Fresno, California. Median Home Cost is 32% more expensive in Sacramento.

FRESNO VS LOS ANGELES

A salary of $450,000 in Fresno, California should increase to $814,425 in Los Angeles, California. Overall, Los Angeles, California is 68.9% more expensive than Fresno, California. The Median Home Cost is 178% more expensive in Los Angeles.

FRESNO VS SAN DIEGO

A salary of $450,000 in Fresno, California should increase to $740,955 in San Diego, California. Overall, San Diego, California is 56.0% more expensive than Fresno, California. Median Home Cost is 160% more expensive in San Diego.

Of the large cities in America, Fresno is one of the most car oriented. This is reflected in the urban landscape, which features highways, wide streets, parking lots, and shopping centers of all sizes. It is also reflected in the statistics: 81.85% of people in Fresno drive to work in their own car every day, most often alone. So, if you are going to live in Fresno, you will need to learn to love driving. Alternative forms of transportation are not very widely used or supported. The citizens of Fresno are slightly better educated than the national average of 21.84% for all cities and towns, with 21.93% of adults in Fresno having a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree.

The per capita income in Fresno in 2018 was $23,564, which is lower middle income relative to California and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $94,256 for a family of four. However, Fresno contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.