Side-by-side comparison

Fresno vs San Jose

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

Bottom line

San Jose is approximately 81% more expensive than Fresno. A single person needs about $5,823/mo in San Jose versus $3,226/mo in Fresno.

Rent in Fresno vs San Jose

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Fresno · Studio

$1,210

San Jose · Studio

$2,608

San Jose is $1,398 (116%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · 1 bedroom

$1,217

San Jose · 1 bedroom

$2,975

San Jose is $1,758 (144%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · 2 bedroom

$1,505

San Jose · 2 bedroom

$3,446

San Jose is $1,941 (129%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · 3 bedroom

$2,109

San Jose · 3 bedroom

$4,477

San Jose is $2,368 (112%) higher than Fresno

Income & earnings in Fresno vs San Jose

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Fresno · Household income

$71,434

San Jose · Household income

$159,674

San Jose is $88,240 (124%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Individual earnings

$38,046

San Jose · Individual earnings

$74,030

San Jose is $35,984 (95%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Per capita

$31,777

San Jose · Per capita

$77,018

San Jose is $45,241 (142%) higher than Fresno

Home values in Fresno vs San Jose

Average values and property tax.

Fresno · Average home value

$362,600

San Jose · Average home value

$1,382,800

San Jose is $1,020,200 (281%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Annual property tax

$2,704

San Jose · Annual property tax

$9,766

San Jose is $7,062 (261%) higher than Fresno

Energy in Fresno vs San Jose

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Fresno · Monthly electricity

$167

San Jose · Monthly electricity

$167

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Fresno · Monthly gas

$50

San Jose · Monthly gas

$50

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Fresno · Annual total

$2,604

San Jose · Annual total

$2,604

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Healthcare in Fresno vs San Jose

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Fresno · Individual premium

$480

San Jose · Individual premium

$480

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Fresno · Family premium

$1,350

San Jose · Family premium

$1,350

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Fresno · Uninsured rate

7.0%

San Jose · Uninsured rate

4.0%

Fresno is 3.0% (75%) higher than San Jose

Taxes in Fresno vs San Jose

State income and sales tax.

Fresno · State income tax

13.3%

San Jose · State income tax

13.3%

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Fresno · State sales tax

7.3%

San Jose · State sales tax

7.3%

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Fresno · Combined sales tax

8.8%

San Jose · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Fresno and San Jose are about the same

Transportation in Fresno vs San Jose

Commute time and travel modes.

Fresno · Average commute

23.4 min

San Jose · Average commute

27.0 min

San Jose is 3.6 min (15%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Drive alone

74.7%

San Jose · Drive alone

61.7%

Fresno is 13.0% (21%) higher than San Jose

Fresno · Public transit

0.9%

San Jose · Public transit

2.7%

San Jose is 1.8% (200%) higher than Fresno

Monthly cost estimates in Fresno vs San Jose

All categories combined.

Fresno · Single person

$3,226

San Jose · Single person

$5,823

San Jose is $2,597 (81%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Couple

$4,891

San Jose · Couple

$9,192

San Jose is $4,301 (88%) higher than Fresno

Fresno · Family

$7,702

San Jose · Family

$12,430

San Jose is $4,728 (61%) higher than Fresno

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Fresno and San Jose.

Is Fresno or San Jose more expensive?

San Jose is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,226/mo in Fresno, California and $5,823/mo in San Jose, California, a difference of about 81%.

What is the rent difference between Fresno and San Jose?

Average one-bedroom rent in Fresno, California is $1,217/mo versus $2,975/mo in San Jose, California. San Jose is approximately $1,758 (144%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Fresno or San Jose?

San Jose has the higher average household income. Fresno households earn approximately $71,434 per year; San Jose households earn approximately $159,674 per year.

More on Fresno and San Jose

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

Fresno profile San Jose 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.