Fresno, California and Mesa, Arizona are two very different cities with unique characteristics. While Fresno is known for its mix of urban and agricultural features and provides a path to coastal cities of California, Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and offers a family-friendly environment with ample outdoor recreational opportunities. From safety and weather to the cost of living and job market, there are many factors that can influence your decision to move or visit either of these cities.
Distance between
Fresno, CA and
Mesa, AZ : 510.7 miles
Fresno's population is larger by 7%. Its population has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) since 2000. The population of Mesa has grown by 113,100 people (28.5%) during that time.
When considering relocating or visiting a new city, safety is at the forefront of many people's minds. Fresno, California has a higher crime rate than Mesa, Arizona. However, it's crucial to remember that crime varies from neighborhood to neighborhood within cities and can change over time. For tourists, sticking to popular tourist destinations and being aware of one's surroundings is typically a safe strategy in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,478 registered sex offenders living in Fresno and 635 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fresno is 353 to 1; the ratio in Mesa is 763 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Fresno than in Mesa.
Cost of Living
The cost of living tends to be higher in Fresno than in Mesa due to California's generally higher cost of living. This difference is most noticeable in housing costs, which are often significantly higher in Fresno. On the other hand, grocery items, utilities, healthcare, and transportation generally tend to be more affordable in Mesa.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, living in Fresno can be more costly, as California has a progressive income tax system with rates up to 13.3%. Arizona, on the other hand, has a significantly lower top income tax rate at 4.5%.
Property Tax
When it comes to property taxes, homes in Fresno are subject to California's relatively low property tax rate. However, because home prices are generally higher, the actual costs can be significant. In contrast, property tax rates in Mesa are higher, but the lower cost of housing helps offset this expense somewhat.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is higher in Fresno due to California's state sales tax rate of 7.25%, along with an added local tax. Mesa's sales tax is less burdensome, with Arizona's state sales tax at 5.6%, plus a local tax.
Income
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Estimated median household income
$61,250
$69,266
Estimated per capita income
$28,499
$35,439
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.3
101
If you make $50,000 in Fresno, you will have to make $52,440 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Fresno is located in the San Joaquin Valley, surrounded by farmland and within a few hours' drive of California's famed coastal cities and national parks. Mesa is located in the Desert of Arizona, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and desert landscapes, offering outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, and camping.
When it comes to education, both cities have good school systems. Fresno is home to several highly ranked public and private schools as well as noted institutions like California State University, Fresno. Mesa also offers strong public school options and is close to Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities in the U.S, offering solid opportunities for higher education.
Fresno's economy is diversified, largely based on healthcare, education, and agriculture. The area is known for its farming and produces a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, Mesa's economy is centered around healthcare, education, aerospace, and tourism. Both cities have seen continued growth in recent years, providing ample job opportunities for residents.
Biggest Employers
Fresno's largest employers are Community Medical Centers, Saint Agnes Medical Center, and Fresno Unified School District, indicating a strong presence of healthcare and education. Mesa's biggest employers, on the other hand, are Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and Boeing, reflecting their robust healthcare, education, and aerospace sectors.
There were 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011) compared to 2,046 building permits issued in Mesa in 2012 (1543 more than in 2011).
In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Mesa (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
2020
53.0%
50.2%
45.2%
48.0%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
49.2%
44.9%
43.2%
47.7%
7.5%
7.5%
2012
49.8%
43.6%
48.0%
54.3%
2.2%
2.1%
2008
50.2%
44.0%
48.1%
54.5%
1.8%
1.5%
2004
42.0%
42.4%
57.8%
57.0%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
43.2%
43.0%
53.3%
53.4%
3.5%
3.6%
1996
45.3%
44.5%
47.4%
47.2%
7.3%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
31.0%
13.6%
6.1%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.9%
8.1%
6.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
2.6%
2.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.2%
2.4%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.8%
2.0%
2.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.5%
0.7%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.1%
0.3%
0.1%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
1.3%
Weather
Weather is another vital difference. Fresno has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, which is perfect for those who love consistent sunny weather. On the other hand, Mesa experiences a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters, which makes it a favorite for snowbirds who are escaping colder weather elsewhere.
Weather and climate
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Temperature - Average
63°F
71.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
67%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
88%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
21%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11.6 in
9.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.4%
35.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.8%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
96%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
79%
Wind speed - Average
6.5 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Fresno, California
Average climate in Mesa, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
Fresno
Mesa
2018
128
200
0.35
0.28
9.7
15.1
31.7
34.8
N/A
N/A
39.7
28.1
14.8
7.5
0.6
0.6
2017
132
128
0.35
0.28
9.2
15.8
33.2
35.1
N/A
N/A
38.3
24.5
14.3
8.2
0.6
1.4
2016
128
121
0.35
0.31
8.4
15.7
31.4
34.6
N/A
N/A
34.7
21.5
13.5
6.8
0.5
0.4
2015
134
104
0.32
0.34
8.7
17.6
31.1
33.4
N/A
N/A
34.2
17.7
13.9
6.8
0.5
0.9
2014
139
135
0.33
0.33
10.1
19.6
32.4
34.0
0.004
N/A
39.3
30.8
16.4
8.4
0.5
1.1
2013
136
141
0.37
0.31
11.1
19.9
31.0
34.8
0.005
N/A
43.3
29.3
19.1
5.8
0.6
0.9
2012
140
159
0.36
0.38
9.7
21.2
31.9
33.7
0.004
N/A
36.1
37.9
14.2
8.1
0.6
1.3
2011
139
205
0.34
0.31
8.7
18.5
33.5
34.1
N/A
N/A
30.2
40.4
21.1
9.5
0.8
0.9
2010
121
100
0.27
0.31
6.9
16.4
31.1
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.5
N/A
8.3
0.7
1.2
2009
107
109
0.31
0.33
7.3
16.6
29.6
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.0
2008
130
106
0.33
0.29
9.3
17.5
31.1
34.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.9
22.2
N/A
1.0
1.1
2007
146
134
0.34
0.43
10.0
19.3
28.4
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
50.6
26.0
N/A
0.7
1.9
2006
104
138
0.36
0.44
11.3
22.1
29.7
30.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
57.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2005
101
109
0.33
0.49
10.7
22.6
28.1
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
49.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2004
103
97
0.34
0.51
11.5
22.4
30.8
30.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
33.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2003
115
99
0.44
0.56
15.0
24.0
31.2
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.4
2002
139
110
0.43
0.69
15.2
24.9
44.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2001
143
105
0.42
0.65
15.1
23.8
47.3
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2000
136
117
0.51
0.76
15.4
29.8
41.0
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9.9%
18.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
8,613%
2,348.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
16%
Transportation
Fresno offers solid public transportation through Fresno Area Express (FAX) buses and Amtrak services. However, having a car can be beneficial as the city is spread out. In Mesa, having a car is also advantageous for getting around efficiently, though the city does have a light rail system and bus service.
Transport
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
408
828
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
36
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Bicycle
0.8%
0.6%
Bus
1.3%
0.3%
Carpooled
10.7%
14.4%
Car alone
84.4%
79.9%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.5%
Walked
1.4%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Average
23.7 min
25 min
Other means
21.5 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
45.3 min
45.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.3%
85.8%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
11.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Fresno is typically more expensive than in Mesa, which is in line with California's overall higher property values. Homeownership is a possibility for many Mesa residents due to more affordable housing. For renters, prices are relatively lower in Mesa compared to Fresno.
Neighborhoods
Fresno has diverse neighborhoods, from the upscale Fig Garden to the quieter Clovis. Downtown Fresno is quite vibrant with its arts scene and local eateries. In Mesa, the East Valley section is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods. Downtown Mesa has seen recent revitalization efforts leading to the growth of its arts and culinary scene.
Houses and residents
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Houses
188,756
221,995
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.6
Median year apartment built
1977
1987
Median year house/condo built
1983
1989
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
181,841 (96.3%)
199,112 (89.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
91,233 (50.2%)
126,146 (63.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
90,608 (49.8%)
72,966 (36.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$958.34
$1,890
Median monthly housing costs
$1,209
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$285,919
$262,297
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,300
$350,100
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$375,492
$421,563
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,112
$124,748
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$196,355
$226,327
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$287,684
$250,077
Median house price - mobile homes
$100,122
$70,636
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$260,277
$256,984
Median house price - All housing units
$358,028
$364,728
Median house age
42
33
Renting percentage
50.9%
36.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,808.6
1,776.1
House value disparities
29.4%
31.1%
Household income disparities
46.4%
42.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$97,354
$97,987
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$73,445
$63,218
Housing units without a mortgage
1,037 (1.7%)
1,338 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,880 (4.8%)
5,628 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,354 (98.3%)
80,572 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
68 (0.1%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,120 (6.8%)
7,236 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fresno
Mesa
One, detached
59.0%
55.9%
One, attached
3.2%
6.6%
Two
3.0%
1.0%
3 or 4
7.8%
5.1%
5 to 9
9.6%
6.0%
10 to 19
3.6%
5.0%
20 to 49
3.4%
2.8%
50 or more
7.5%
5.3%
Mobile homes
2.6%
11.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,428
10,562
State government workers
9,836
6,039
Unpaid family workers
890
830
Industries and Occupations
In Fresno, the top industries include education, healthcare, and agriculture. Meanwhile, Mesa’s biggest industries are healthcare, aerospace, and tourism. In terms of occupations, the most common jobs held by residents in Fresno are within office and administrative support, sales, and management, whereas in Mesa, the most common jobs are in office and administrative support, sales, and construction.
Both cities have solid healthcare options. Fresno's Community Medical Centers and Saint Agnes Medical Center are notable hospitals in the region. Mesa is home to Banner Health System, one of the largest health care systems in the country. It's a hub for advanced medical services with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring quality care for its residents.
As far as infrastructure goes, both cities have invested significantly in public services and amenities. Fresno has a mix of older and newer infrastructure, with continued efforts to revitalize downtown and older neighborhoods. Mesa’s infrastructure is reasonably up-to-date, with a newer airport and transit system.
Infrastructure
Type
Fresno
Mesa
Hospitals
32
13
TV stations
4
18
Bank branches located here
98
97
Bank institutions located here
25
22
Main business address for public companies
1
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fresno
Mesa
1999
717
2,532
2000
484
2,428
2001
462
1,854
2002
569
1,520
2003
1,510
1,991
2004
2,462
2,897
2005
3,394
3,857
2006
3,441
3,727
2007
2,138
1,896
2008
760
765
2009
354
440
Culture and Food
Culturally, Fresno provides a rich mix of cultural influences, with a strong emphasis on arts, theatre, and culinary scene famous for its farm-to-table restaurants, reflecting its agricultural roots. Mexican and other international foods are also available. In Mesa, you will also find a range of cultural offerings including performing arts, museums, and a popular culinary scene that features everything from upscale dining to food trucks.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Fresno has minor league baseball and hockey teams, the Fresno Grizzlies and the Fresno Monsters. For Mesa, while it has no major sports teams of its own, it hosts spring training for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics, and all Arizona major league teams are only a short drive away in Phoenix.
Fresno, CA
Mesa, AZ
Fresno, CA and 
Mesa, AZ : 510.7 miles
