Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Fresno is 9% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $68,590 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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