Anaheim, CA vs Fresno, CA

The cost of living difference between Anaheim, CA and Fresno, CA is dramatic. Fresno is 58.5% cheaper than Anaheim, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Anaheim has a cost index of 167 while Fresno sits at 105, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month compared to $1,324/month in Fresno — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fresno is more affordable at $348,500 median vs $771,700.

Median household income in Anaheim is $90,583 compared to $66,804 in Fresno (+35.6%). The higher salaries in Anaheim partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Anaheim spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 23.8% in Fresno.