Moving from Boulder to Fresno (2026)
Fresno has a COL index of 99 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$891/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
13299
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,450
per month
State tax
4.4%9.3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,159
per month
Salary needed in Fresno to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Fresno |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,000 |
| $50K | $37,500 |
| $60K | $45,000 |
| $75K | $56,250 |
| $80K | $60,000 |
| $100K | $75,000 |
| $120K | $90,000 |
| $150K | $112,500 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Fresno
| Expense | Boulder | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,450 |
| Groceries | $414 | $380 |
| Transport | $80 | $72 |
| Utilities | $138 | $142 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,050 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fresno cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Fresno has a cost of living index of 99 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Fresno?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Fresno could save roughly $891/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,692/year.
What salary do I need in Fresno to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $56,250/year in Fresno. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Fresno to BoulderBoulder vs Fresno — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingFresno cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only