What Is the Cost of Living in Fresno, California?

The “cost of living” describes the financial requirements to maintain a certain standard of life in a specific geographic area, encompassing expenses for basic necessities like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Understanding these aspects is important for individuals and families considering a move or evaluating their financial situation. This analysis focuses on the financial landscape within Fresno, California, detailing typical resident expenditures.

Key Expense Categories in Fresno

Housing represents a significant portion of monthly expenses for Fresno residents. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,289 per month, while a two-bedroom unit typically costs about $1,485. Houses for rent average $2,273 monthly. For homeowners, the median property value in Fresno County was $362,600 in 2023, with average monthly mortgage payments estimated at $1,593.

Transportation costs also contribute to the overall cost of living in Fresno. Annual full coverage car insurance averages $1,779 to $2,879, or $148 to $240 monthly. The average auto loan payment is around $619 per month. Public transportation offers a more economical alternative, with a 31-day monthly pass available for $36.

Food expenses in Fresno are slightly elevated compared to the national average, with grocery prices estimated to be 5% higher. An individual’s monthly grocery bill might be around $351, while a family could expect to spend about $1,141. Dining out also adds to food expenditures, with a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant costing approximately $13. Annual food expenditures for a household in the Western United States, which includes Fresno, average around $10,699.

Utility costs in Fresno are notably higher than the national average, running about 28% to 29% more. The average monthly cost for basic utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and trash services, is approximately $390. Electricity bills average around $252 per month, with annual household expenses reaching $3,123. The average water bill is about $70 per month. Heating expenses during colder months can exceed $200 per month.

Healthcare expenses in Fresno are also somewhat above the national average, typically 3% higher. Primary care office visits can range from $100 to $206. Health insurance plans often involve copayments, such as $15 for a primary care physician visit or specialist care. The average annual healthcare expenditure for residents in the Western region is approximately $5,828.

Beyond these core categories, various miscellaneous expenses contribute to the cost of living, including personal care items, entertainment, and clothing. Annual expenditures for these “all other items” within the West region are estimated at about $14,453. For a single person, estimated monthly costs excluding rent are around $1,319.6, while a family of four might spend $4,519.5 per month before housing.

Comparing Fresno’s Cost of Living

Fresno’s cost of living provides a unique financial landscape when viewed against broader benchmarks. The overall cost of living in Fresno is about 7% higher than the national average. This indicates that while daily expenses are generally more expensive than in many other U.S. cities, the difference is not as substantial as in some other California regions.

Compared to the rest of California, Fresno offers a more affordable living environment. The city’s cost of living is approximately 21% to 28% lower than the state average. This makes Fresno one of the more economically accessible major cities within California.

Income and Affordability in Fresno

The income levels in Fresno influence the overall affordability for its residents. The median household income in Fresno County was $71,434 in 2023, while for the city of Fresno, it was about $67,603. The average weekly wage for workers in Fresno is approximately $1,067. These income figures provide context for residents’ ability to cover the local cost of living.

To maintain a modest lifestyle, a family of four in the Fresno metropolitan area would typically need an annual income of about $100,676, or $8,390 per month. For renters, financial guidelines suggest that monthly housing costs should not exceed 30% of one’s income. Based on the average rent, an individual would need to earn roughly $49,716 per year to comfortably afford housing in Fresno.

However, a significant portion of Fresno renters, about 60%, spend more than 30% of their income on rent, indicating a considerable housing burden for many households. On average, Fresno households allocate about 41% of their annual income to cover various bills.