Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Fresno is 28% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $54,223 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $420,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Fresno scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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