Fresno, TX vs Sunnyvale, TX
Fresno, TX and Sunnyvale, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Fresno scores 118 while Sunnyvale scores 117 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Fresno is $2,131/month compared to $1,216/month in Sunnyvale — a 75% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Sunnyvale has cheaper rent, Fresno actually has lower median home values ($230,400 vs $540,500).
Median household income in Fresno is $89,442 compared to $157,500 in Sunnyvale (-43.2%). Sunnyvale offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fresno spend roughly 28.6% of their income on rent, more than the 9.3% in Sunnyvale.
Climate-wise, Fresno is notably warmer with an average of 71.1°F compared to 68°F in Sunnyvale. Fresno receives more rainfall at 49.7" per year compared to 38.3" in Sunnyvale.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)