Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Close to the national average, a far cheaper way to live in California.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 102
Median 2BR rent: $1,900/mo
Housing: 104 vs 100
Groceries: 104 vs 100
Utilities: 106 vs 100
Transportation: 110 vs 100
Healthcare: 99 vs 100
Fresno offers Central Valley sun, agricultural roots, and a gateway to Yosemite at a fraction of coastal California prices. Housing is the main reason it lands near the national average instead of well above it.