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San Jose vs Fresno: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

San Jose is 71% more expensive than Fresno. Fresno is 10% safer. San Jose population: 989,814. Fresno population: 555,549.

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: San Jose vs Fresno

Fresno is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 180 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 75 index points.

CategorySan JoseFresno
Overall Index180105
Housing$5,251/moIndex: 295$2,314/moIndex: 130
Groceries$472/moIndex: 115$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$403/moIndex: 115$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$358/moIndex: 112$326/moIndex: 102
Utilities$216/moIndex: 98$202/moIndex: 92

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

Safety: San Jose vs Fresno

Fresno is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents vs San Jose's 25.9. Fresno earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Jose's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

San Jose

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.9/1K
TrendDeclining
C+

Fresno

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.4/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricSan JoseFresno
Overall Crime Rate25.9/1K23.4/1K
Violent Crime Rate498.7430.6
Property Crime Rate2088.91912.4
Murder Rate8.55.8
Assault Rate310.2333.7
Robbery Rate102.285.7
Burglary Rate233.4217.5
Theft Rate1440.11400.3
Vehicle Theft Rate394.7324.2

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

Victim Odds

In San Jose, you have a 1 in 39 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Fresno.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for San Jose. A full comparison requires both cities.

San Jose Climate Overview

Annual High70.9°F
Annual Low49.9°F
Annual Rain14.7"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months9
Best MonthAugust
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Jose cheaper than Fresno?
Fresno is 71% more affordable than San Jose, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 180 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $5,251/mo in San Jose vs $2,314/mo in Fresno.
Is San Jose safer than Fresno?
Fresno is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents vs San Jose's 25.9. Fresno earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to San Jose or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno is safer (C+ grade). Fresno is more affordable (index 105 vs 180). San Jose has a population of 989,814 and Fresno has 555,549. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is San Jose compared to Fresno?
San Jose has a population of 989,814 and Fresno has 555,549. San Jose is 78% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in San Jose or Fresno?
Housing is cheaper in Fresno. Estimated monthly housing costs: San Jose $5,251/mo vs Fresno $2,314/mo. That's based on a housing index of 295 vs 130 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
San Jose Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fresno 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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