Fresno, CA vs Reston, VA

The cost of living difference between Fresno, CA and Reston, VA is dramatic. Fresno is 32% cheaper than Reston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fresno has a cost index of 105 while Reston sits at 155, 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 Fresno is $1,324/month compared to $2,170/month in Reston — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fresno is more affordable at $348,500 median vs $616,000.

Median household income in Fresno is $66,804 compared to $139,515 in Reston (-52.1%). While Reston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fresno spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Reston.

Climate-wise, Fresno is notably warmer with an average of 65°F compared to 55.7°F in Reston. Reston receives more rainfall at 43.2" per year compared to 11" in Fresno.