City vs city
Fresno, CA vs Mesa, AZ
- Rent is 14% lower in Fresno (median $1,421/mo vs $1,620/mo in Mesa).
- Homes cost 9% less in Fresno ($375k vs $408k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $93 more a month after taxes and rent in Fresno.
- Schools rate higher in Mesa (4.9/10 vs 1.4/10).
- Mesa has less violent crime (4.3 vs 7.2 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Mesa has milder winters (53°F vs 48°F average).
- Mesa gets more sun (294 vs 271 sunny days a year).
| Fresno | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,421/mo | $1,620/mo |
| Median home value | $375k | $408k |
| Median household income | $71k | $83k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,467 | $3,374 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.4/10 | 4.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.0× the US rate | 1.2× the US rate |
| Summer average | 98°F | 106°F |
| Winter average | 48°F | 53°F |
| Sunny days a year | 271 | 294 |
| Walk score | 42 | 42 |
| Population | 545,970 | 511,764 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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