A view of Fresno and Clovis, two neighboring Central Valley cities where new data shows Fresno remains more affordable as Clovis carries a higher cost of living.
- Fresno remains the more affordable option compared to Clovis, with lower housing, rent, and monthly household expenses.
- The biggest cost gap is in housing, where Fresno’s median home price is more than $134,000 lower than Clovis.
- Despite higher living costs, Clovis households earn significantly more, with a median income nearly $33,000 above Fresno’s.
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When it comes to choosing between Fresno and Clovis it comes down to a simple question: Do you want to save money or spend more for lifestyle?
The most recent cost-of-living data shows Fresno is still the more affordable option, with lower housing, rent, and monthly expenses across the board.
The most noticeable divide is in housing. Zillow reports Fresno’s median home price in July 2025 was $384,554, compared with $519,203 in Clovis — a cost difference of more than $134,000. Renters see a less dramatic but still significant gap as one-bedroom apartments in Fresno average $1,289 versus $1,470 in Clovis, according to Apartments.com.
Other Costs
Bills tell a similar story. Doxo.com data shows Fresno residents spend about $2,225 a month on recurring household costs, while Clovis residents pay $2,440. Gas prices ($4.56 per gallon, AAA) and commute times (just over 20 minutes each way) are virtually identical.
Child care and taxes also barely differ. Care.com lists Fresno’s average child care cost at $19.56 per hour, compared with $19.66 in Clovis. Property taxes come in at 1.22% in Fresno and 1.19% in Clovis. The countywide base sales tax is 7.975%, with additional city taxes making the final bite 8.975% in Clovis and 8.350% in Fresno.
Still, Clovis households earn more. BestPlaces.net pegs the city’s median income at $89,769, far above Fresno’s $57,211. ZipRecruiter data shows average hourly pay is also higher in Clovis at $22.30 compared with $20.66 in Fresno.
These numbers reflect long-standing differences: Clovis is known for higher incomes, newer neighborhoods, and strong schools, while Fresno remains the more affordable choice for working-class families. Fresno is cheaper across most categories, but many families are still willing to pay Clovis’ premium for its schools, services, and reputation.
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