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Fresno vs Oakland: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Oakland is 62% more expensive than Fresno. Fresno is 14% safer. Fresno population: 555,549. Oakland population: 440,838.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingFresno
SafetyFresno
HousingFresno

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Fresno vs Oakland

Fresno is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 170 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 65 index points.

CategoryFresnoOakland
Overall Index105170
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$4,806/moIndex: 270
Groceries$418/moIndex: 102$459/moIndex: 112
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$413/moIndex: 118
Healthcare$326/moIndex: 102$352/moIndex: 110
Utilities$202/moIndex: 92$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Fresno vs Oakland

Fresno is 14% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Fresno earns a C+ safety grade compared to Oakland's C. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Fresno

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.4/1K
TrendDeclining
C

Oakland

California

Overall GradeC
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate27.3/1K
TrendImproving
MetricFresnoOakland
Overall Crime Rate23.4/1K27.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate430.6483.2
Property Crime Rate1912.42243.2
Murder Rate5.86.1
Assault Rate333.7332.4
Robbery Rate85.7122.9
Burglary Rate217.5242.5
Theft Rate1400.31707.0
Vehicle Theft Rate324.2538.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Fresno, you have a 1 in 43 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 37 in Oakland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fresno cheaper than Oakland?
Fresno is 62% more affordable than Oakland, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 170 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,314/mo in Fresno vs $4,806/mo in Oakland.
Is Fresno safer than Oakland?
Fresno is 14% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Fresno earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Fresno or Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno is safer (C+ grade). Fresno is more affordable (index 105 vs 170). Fresno has a population of 555,549 and Oakland has 440,838. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Fresno compared to Oakland?
Fresno has a population of 555,549 and Oakland has 440,838. Fresno is 26% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Fresno or Oakland?
Housing is cheaper in Fresno. Estimated monthly housing costs: Fresno $2,314/mo vs Oakland $4,806/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 270 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Fresno Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C
Oakland Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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