Cost of Living in Fresno, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,145 (excluding rent), and $2,988 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,766 (excluding rent), and $5,360 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.27 $20.27

$15.2 $15.2

$30.41 $30.41

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$69.6 $69.6

$39.75 $39.75

$99.4 $99.4

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.46 $11.46

$10.36 $10.36

$14.95 $14.95

Cappuccino

$5.03 $5.03

$3.96 $3.96

$6.93 $6.93

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.73 $2.73

$1.97 $1.97

$3.94 $3.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2 $2

$1.75 $1.75

$2.92 $2.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.86 $7.86

$4.92 $4.92

$17.69 $17.69

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.98 $8.98

$6.74 $6.74

$11.98 $11.98

Milk (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.75 $0.75

$1.14 $1.14

White Bread (500g)

$2.84 $2.84

$2.02 $2.02

$3.67 $3.67

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.72 $4.72

$1.51 $1.51

$9.68 $9.68

Eggs

$4.61 $4.61

$1.7 $1.7

$8.03 $8.03

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.15 $10.15

$8.75 $8.75

$17.5 $17.5

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.64 $8.64

$6.69 $6.69

$11.25 $11.25

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.9 $16.9

$4.39 $4.39

$32.91 $32.91

Apples (1kg)

$4.31 $4.31

$3.28 $3.28

$5.54 $5.54

Banana (1kg)

$2.09 $2.09

$1.17 $1.17

$4.48 $4.48

Oranges (1kg)

$3.49 $3.49

$1.92 $1.92

$6.49 $6.49

Tomato (1kg)

$3.31 $3.31

$1.95 $1.95

$5.45 $5.45

Potato (1kg)

$3.05 $3.05

$1.12 $1.12

$6.74 $6.74

Onion (1kg)

$2.13 $2.13

$1.12 $1.12

$4.49 $4.49

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.93 $1.93

$1.23 $1.23

$2.95 $2.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.24 $3.24

$0.98 $0.98

$4.88 $4.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.07 $11.07

$9.95 $9.95

$12.94 $12.94

Wine (Bottle)

$17.17 $17.17

$4.91 $4.91

$24.53 $24.53

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$4.33 $4.33

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.59 $5.59

$1.47 $1.47

$8.13 $8.13

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.26 $1.26

$1.01 $1.01

$1.77 $1.77

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$44.37 $44.37

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.36 $3.36

$2.96 $2.96

$4.94 $4.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.99 $1.99

$2.46 $2.46

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$25.19 $25.19

$35.26 $35.26

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 $1.22

$1.13 $1.13

$1.29 $1.29

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$36.4K $36.4K

$34.6K $34.6K

$36.4K $36.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$29.3K $29.3K

$26.8K $26.8K

$37.8K $37.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$310 $310

$186 $186

$635 $635

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.2 $50.2

$34.94 $34.94

$79.9 $79.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$83.8 $83.8

$74.7 $74.7

$99.6 $99.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$72 $72

$24.54 $24.54

$142 $142

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$74.8 $74.8

Cinema Ticket

$14.38 $14.38

$10.91 $10.91

$14.87 $14.87

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$958 $958

$1,814 $1,814

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.8K $12.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56.4 $56.4

$36.23 $36.23

$89.6 $89.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$46.64 $46.64

$20.17 $20.17

$60.5 $60.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$73.2 $73.2

$44.48 $44.48

$109 $109

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$165 $165

$89.8 $89.8

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,597 $1,597

$1,205 $1,205

$2,410 $2,410

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,513 $1,513

$997 $997

$1,995 $1,995

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,446 $2,446

$2,283 $2,283

$5,074 $5,074

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,306 $2,306

$2,005 $2,005

$3,960 $3,960

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,806 $2,806

$2,746 $2,746

$2,833 $2,833

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,806 $2,806

$2,746 $2,746

$2,833 $2,833

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,648 $3,648

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Fresno, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno offers a practical balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want solid amenities without the sticker shock of bigger coast cities. If you measure value by housing access, food variety, and everyday expenses, the Cost of Living in Fresno, CA, United States tends to be more favorable than in many West Coast metros while offering good access to outdoor recreation and local markets. Daily life centers on a walkable core, diverse dining, and reliable groceries, with coworking options and reasonable commutes in many neighborhoods. Tip: Build a flexible budget around housing and utilities, and consider a longer stay to unlock local rates.

Daily life in Fresno blends city services with easy access to outdoors. For housing search, start in neighborhoods like the Tower District for walkability or centralized areas for shorter commutes, and pair online listings with local visits to compare options. Food choices range from farmers markets to diverse ethnic groceries, with plenty of affordable casual dining. Transit works well for short trips, and biking or car-share is practical in many parts of town. Co-working spaces support remote work, and a weekend outing to nearby parks is a nice balance. Fresno, CA, United States living cost can help you frame your budget as you compare rents, utilities, and groceries. Tip: Visit at varied hours to feel the rhythms of each neighborhood.

Quality of life in Fresno comes from smart planning and neighborhood fit. Build a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, food, transport, and leisure, then test different combinations across the seasons. In summer, stay shaded, hydrate, and plan outdoor activities in the mornings or evenings. In fall and spring, take advantage of farmers markets and community events to stretch food dollars. Favor midtown or southwest neighborhoods if you want a lively street scene, or northwest zones if quiet residential blocks suit you. Practical savings come from cooking at home, using multi-ride transit passes, and choosing weekend activities with low entry costs. Tip: Establish a recurring monthly check of expenses to adjust as needs shift.