Fresno, CA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Fresno has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Fresno | San Jose | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 238 | Fresno |
| Housing | 100 ($927) | 341 ($1,832) | Fresno |
| Transportation | 110 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | San Jose |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 190 ($779) | Fresno |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 221 ($614) | Fresno |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 221 ($443) | Fresno |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno, CA or San Jose, CA cheaper to live in?
Fresno, CA is cheaper overall by about 138 index points (Fresno, CA: 100, San Jose, CA: 238; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Fresno, CA vs San Jose, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Fresno, CA and $83,300/year in San Jose, CA to cover basic living costs.