Side-by-side comparison

Fresno vs San Diego

Cost of living comparison for Fresno, California and San Diego, California.

Bottom line

San Diego is approximately 40% more expensive than Fresno. A single person needs about $4,511/mo in San Diego versus $3,226/mo in Fresno.

Rent in Fresno vs San Diego

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Fresno · Studio

$1,210

San Diego · Studio

$2,145

San Diego is $935 (77%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · 1 bedroom

$1,217

San Diego · 1 bedroom

$2,328

San Diego is $1,111 (91%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · 2 bedroom

$1,505

San Diego · 2 bedroom

$2,881

San Diego is $1,376 (91%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · 3 bedroom

$2,109

San Diego · 3 bedroom

$3,852

San Diego is $1,743 (83%) higher than Fresno

Income & earnings in Fresno vs San Diego

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Fresno · Household income

$71,434

San Diego · Household income

$102,285

San Diego is $30,851 (43%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Individual earnings

$38,046

San Diego · Individual earnings

$49,552

San Diego is $11,506 (30%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Per capita

$31,777

San Diego · Per capita

$49,891

San Diego is $18,114 (57%) higher than Fresno

Home values in Fresno vs San Diego

Average values and property tax.

Fresno · Average home value

$362,600

San Diego · Average home value

$791,600

San Diego is $429,000 (118%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Annual property tax

$2,704

San Diego · Annual property tax

$5,542

San Diego is $2,838 (105%) higher than Fresno

Energy in Fresno vs San Diego

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Fresno · Monthly electricity

$167

San Diego · Monthly electricity

$167

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Fresno · Monthly gas

$50

San Diego · Monthly gas

$50

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Fresno · Annual total

$2,604

San Diego · Annual total

$2,604

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Healthcare in Fresno vs San Diego

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Fresno · Individual premium

$480

San Diego · Individual premium

$480

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Fresno · Family premium

$1,350

San Diego · Family premium

$1,350

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Fresno · Uninsured rate

7.0%

San Diego · Uninsured rate

6.8%

Fresno is 0.2% (3%) higher than San Diego

Taxes in Fresno vs San Diego

State income and sales tax.

Fresno · State income tax

13.3%

San Diego · State income tax

13.3%

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Fresno · State sales tax

7.3%

San Diego · State sales tax

7.3%

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Fresno · Combined sales tax

8.8%

San Diego · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Fresno and San Diego are about the same

Transportation in Fresno vs San Diego

Commute time and travel modes.

Fresno · Average commute

23.4 min

San Diego · Average commute

25.9 min

San Diego is 2.5 min (11%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Drive alone

74.7%

San Diego · Drive alone

67.6%

Fresno is 7.1% (11%) higher than San Diego

Fresno · Public transit

0.9%

San Diego · Public transit

2.2%

San Diego is 1.3% (144%) higher than Fresno

Monthly cost estimates in Fresno vs San Diego

All categories combined.

Fresno · Single person

$3,226

San Diego · Single person

$4,511

San Diego is $1,285 (40%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Couple

$4,891

San Diego · Couple

$6,941

San Diego is $2,050 (42%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Family

$7,702

San Diego · Family

$10,119

San Diego is $2,417 (31%) higher than Fresno

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Fresno and San Diego.

Is Fresno or San Diego more expensive?

San Diego is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,226/mo in Fresno, California and $4,511/mo in San Diego, California, a difference of about 40%.

What is the rent difference between Fresno and San Diego?

Average one-bedroom rent in Fresno, California is $1,217/mo versus $2,328/mo in San Diego, California. San Diego is approximately $1,111 (91%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Fresno or San Diego?

San Diego has the higher average household income. Fresno households earn approximately $71,434 per year; San Diego households earn approximately $102,285 per year.

More on Fresno and San Diego

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

Fresno profile San Diego profile Compare different areas

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.