Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Fresno is 16% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,695 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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