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Fresno vs Los Angeles

Cost of living comparison for Fresno, California and Los Angeles, California.

Bottom line

Los Angeles is approximately 28% more expensive than Fresno. A single person needs about $4,135/mo in Los Angeles versus $3,226/mo in Fresno.

Rent in Fresno vs Los Angeles

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Fresno · Studio
$1,210
Los Angeles · Studio
$1,856
Los Angeles is $646 (53%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · 1 bedroom
$1,217
Los Angeles · 1 bedroom
$2,081
Los Angeles is $864 (71%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · 2 bedroom
$1,505
Los Angeles · 2 bedroom
$2,625
Los Angeles is $1,120 (74%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · 3 bedroom
$2,109
Los Angeles · 3 bedroom
$3,335
Los Angeles is $1,226 (58%) higher than Fresno

Income & earnings in Fresno vs Los Angeles

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Fresno · Household income
$71,434
Los Angeles · Household income
$87,760
Los Angeles is $16,326 (23%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · Individual earnings
$38,046
Los Angeles · Individual earnings
$43,477
Los Angeles is $5,431 (14%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · Per capita
$31,777
Los Angeles · Per capita
$44,319
Los Angeles is $12,542 (39%) higher than Fresno

Home values in Fresno vs Los Angeles

Average values and property tax.

Fresno · Average home value
$362,600
Los Angeles · Average home value
$783,300
Los Angeles is $420,700 (116%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · Annual property tax
$2,704
Los Angeles · Annual property tax
$5,438
Los Angeles is $2,734 (101%) higher than Fresno

Energy in Fresno vs Los Angeles

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Fresno · Monthly electricity
$167
Los Angeles · Monthly electricity
$167
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same
Fresno · Monthly gas
$50
Los Angeles · Monthly gas
$50
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same
Fresno · Annual total
$2,604
Los Angeles · Annual total
$2,604
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same

Healthcare in Fresno vs Los Angeles

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Fresno · Individual premium
$480
Los Angeles · Individual premium
$480
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same
Fresno · Family premium
$1,350
Los Angeles · Family premium
$1,350
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same
Fresno · Uninsured rate
7.0%
Los Angeles · Uninsured rate
8.7%
Los Angeles is 1.7% (24%) higher than Fresno

Taxes in Fresno vs Los Angeles

State income and sales tax.

Fresno · State income tax
13.3%
Los Angeles · State income tax
13.3%
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same
Fresno · State sales tax
7.3%
Los Angeles · State sales tax
7.3%
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same
Fresno · Combined sales tax
8.8%
Los Angeles · Combined sales tax
8.8%
Fresno and Los Angeles are about the same

Transportation in Fresno vs Los Angeles

Commute time and travel modes.

Fresno · Average commute
23.4 min
Los Angeles · Average commute
30.8 min
Los Angeles is 7.4 min (32%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · Drive alone
74.7%
Los Angeles · Drive alone
66.4%
Fresno is 8.3% (12%) higher than Los Angeles
Fresno · Public transit
0.9%
Los Angeles · Public transit
4.2%
Los Angeles is 3.3% (367%) higher than Fresno

Monthly cost estimates in Fresno vs Los Angeles

All categories combined.

Fresno · Single person
$3,226
Los Angeles · Single person
$4,135
Los Angeles is $909 (28%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · Couple
$4,891
Los Angeles · Couple
$6,334
Los Angeles is $1,443 (30%) higher than Fresno
Fresno · Family
$7,702
Los Angeles · Family
$9,251
Los Angeles is $1,549 (20%) higher than Fresno

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Fresno and Los Angeles.

Is Fresno or Los Angeles more expensive?

Los Angeles is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,226/mo in Fresno, California and $4,135/mo in Los Angeles, California, a difference of about 28%.

What is the rent difference between Fresno and Los Angeles?

Average one-bedroom rent in Fresno, California is $1,217/mo versus $2,081/mo in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles is approximately $864 (71%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Fresno or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has the higher average household income. Fresno households earn approximately $71,434 per year; Los Angeles households earn approximately $87,760 per year.

More on Fresno and Los Angeles

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.