Fresno and Sacramento, both nestled in the heart of California, offer unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. These thriving cities are ingrained with rich history, diverse cultures, and a wide range of economic opportunities. However, each provides a distinct living experience, influenced by factors like crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and more. This comparison provides an in-depth look at these factors to better understand the contrasts and similarities between Fresno and Sacramento.
Distance between
Fresno, CA and
Sacramento, CA : 153.1 miles
Fresno's population is larger by 4%. Its population has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
It's crucial to note upfront that both Fresno and Sacramento experience crime rates higher than the national average. However, Sacramento tends to have a slightly higher crime rate compared to Fresno. Steps are being taken in both cities to curb crime, improving the overall safety of neighborhoods for residents and tourists.
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 2,168 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fresno is 353 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 228 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Fresno than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both cities is above the national average, primarily due to California's high housing costs. However, Fresno is considerably more affordable than Sacramento in terms of housing, groceries, and other necessities. Despite these differences, both cities offer a range of accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax which treats all residents of the state the same, regardless of their city of residence. So, for income tax purposes, Fresno and Sacramento are identical.
Property Tax
Both cities fall within the California property tax structure, where the annual property tax rate is 1% of the property's assessed value.
Sales Tax
The total sales tax rate in Fresno and Sacramento is the same as the California state average of 7.25%, but with additional district taxes, the total can be higher in certain areas.
Income
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$61,250
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$28,499
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.3
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Fresno, you will have to make $53,427 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fresno is located in the San Joaquin Valley and known for its flat topography and abundant farmland. Sacramento is located in the expansive Sacramento Valley and defined by its two rivers, the Sacramento River and the American River, providing a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Both cities boast good educational institutions, with Sacramento's school district slightly outranking Fresno's. Higher education is also prestigious in both cities. Sacramento is home to California State University, Sacramento, while Fresno houses the renowned California State University, Fresno.
While both cities provide a wealth of employment opportunities, Sacramento's economy is more diversified, ranging from state government jobs to technology and healthcare sectors. Fresno's economy is heavily rooted in agriculture, along with healthcare, government, and education as other significant sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Fresno, the biggest employers include Community Medical Centers, California State University, Fresno, and the City of Fresno. In Sacramento, the State of California, Sacramento County, and the UC Davis Health system are among the largest employers.
There were 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
2020
53.0%
61.4%
45.2%
36.1%
1.8%
2.5%
2016
49.2%
58.0%
43.2%
33.8%
7.5%
8.3%
2012
49.8%
58.1%
48.0%
39.1%
2.2%
2.8%
2008
50.2%
58.4%
48.1%
39.4%
1.8%
2.2%
2004
42.0%
49.8%
57.8%
49.6%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
43.2%
49.4%
53.3%
45.4%
3.5%
5.2%
1996
45.3%
49.8%
47.4%
40.8%
7.3%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
31.0%
16.2%
6.1%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.7%
8.1%
8.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.6%
2.6%
2.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.4%
2.4%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.5%
2.0%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.9%
0.6%
1.3%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
Weather
Both cities experience a Mediterranean climate, but their weather varies slightly. Fresno has hotter summers and cooler winters, while Sacramento experiences milder weather overall, with somewhat cooler summers and slightly wetter winters. Both cities offer plenty of sunshine, making them popular choices for those who appreciate a sunny climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
63°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
67%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
88%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
21%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11.6 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.4%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.8%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
96%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
45%
Wind speed - Average
6.5 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Fresno, California
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
Fresno
Sacramento
2018
128
121
0.35
0.32
9.7
9.7
31.7
24.7
N/A
0.002
39.7
28.9
14.8
12.7
0.6
N/A
2017
132
117
0.35
0.33
9.2
9.0
33.2
25.2
N/A
0.002
38.3
22.1
14.3
8.8
0.6
N/A
2016
128
103
0.35
0.44
8.4
8.0
31.4
25.3
N/A
0.002
34.7
14.0
13.5
9.0
0.5
N/A
2015
134
105
0.32
0.25
8.7
9.7
31.1
24.9
N/A
0.002
34.2
16.2
13.9
10.9
0.5
N/A
2014
139
99
0.33
0.24
10.1
10.2
32.4
24.9
0.004
0.002
39.3
15.6
16.4
9.6
0.5
N/A
2013
136
102
0.37
0.29
11.1
11.1
31.0
23.2
0.005
0.002
43.3
21.3
19.1
11.9
0.6
N/A
2012
140
107
0.36
0.31
9.7
10.5
31.9
25.2
0.004
0.002
36.1
15.2
14.2
7.9
0.6
N/A
2011
139
106
0.34
0.29
8.7
11.2
33.5
24.0
N/A
0.002
30.2
17.7
21.1
10.8
0.8
N/A
2010
121
109
0.27
0.29
6.9
11.2
31.1
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
N/A
9.3
0.7
0.5
2009
107
118
0.31
0.40
7.3
12.4
29.6
23.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
20.6
N/A
11.4
1.6
0.5
2008
130
130
0.33
0.40
9.3
14.9
31.1
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.3
22.2
13.6
1.0
0.5
2007
146
129
0.34
0.39
10.0
14.8
28.4
23.7
N/A
0.005
N/A
19.9
26.0
13.5
0.7
0.6
2006
104
124
0.36
0.49
11.3
15.4
29.7
22.7
0.006
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
13.0
N/A
0.5
2005
101
125
0.33
0.42
10.7
15.9
28.1
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.5
N/A
0.6
2004
103
119
0.34
0.49
11.5
15.8
30.8
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
13.3
N/A
0.6
2003
115
119
0.44
0.47
15.0
16.8
31.2
20.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
1.2
0.9
2002
139
114
0.43
0.50
15.2
18.1
44.8
21.2
N/A
0.004
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2001
143
111
0.42
0.43
15.1
18.0
47.3
21.2
N/A
0.004
N/A
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2000
136
107
0.51
0.55
15.4
17.9
41.0
19.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9.9%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
8,613%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
18%
Transportation
Both cities have a similar commuting experience, with a majority of residents driving their cars. However, Sacramento offers more developed public transportation via the Sacramento Regional Transit system. Fresno's public transportation primarily consists of bus service managed by Fresno Area Express.
Transport
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
408
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
36
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.8%
1.1%
Bus
1.3%
1%
Carpooled
10.7%
12%
Car alone
84.4%
80%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Average
23.7 min
28.5 min
Other means
21.5 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
45.3 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.3%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in both cities are above the national average, but you'll find that housing is cheaper in Fresno than in Sacramento. Both cities offer a mix of single-family homes, condos, and apartments.
Neighborhoods
Fresno and Sacramento are filled with a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character. In Fresno, affluent areas include Woodward Park and North Growth Area. Sacramento's desirable neighborhoods include Land Park and East Sacramento.
Houses and residents
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Houses
188,756
210,715
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.6
Median year apartment built
1977
1977
Median year house/condo built
1983
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
181,841 (96.3%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
91,233 (50.2%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
90,608 (49.8%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$958.34
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,209
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$285,919
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,300
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$375,492
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,112
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$196,355
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$287,684
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$100,122
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$260,277
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$358,028
$481,210
Median house age
42
44
Renting percentage
50.9%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,808.6
2,168.8
House value disparities
29.4%
25.5%
Household income disparities
46.4%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$97,354
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$73,445
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
1,037 (1.7%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,880 (4.8%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,354 (98.3%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
68 (0.1%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,120 (6.8%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fresno
Sacramento
One, detached
59.0%
61.7%
One, attached
3.2%
6.8%
Two
3.0%
1.8%
3 or 4
7.8%
4.8%
5 to 9
9.6%
6.9%
10 to 19
3.6%
4.9%
20 to 49
3.4%
3.5%
50 or more
7.5%
7.6%
Mobile homes
2.6%
1.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,428
12,891
State government workers
9,836
40,274
Unpaid family workers
890
755
Industries and Occupations
Fresno is known for its strong agricultural sector, dubbed the 'food capital of the world'. Sacramento, in contrast, has a more diversified economy with government, healthcare, education, and technology as leading industries.
Both cities offer good healthcare services, but Sacramento, with its UC Davis health system, leads in medical research and high-quality care. Community Regional Medical Center and Saint Agnes Medical Center are the notable hospitals in Fresno.
Sacramento, being the state capital, benefits from better infrastructure compared to Fresno. Sacramento features a mixture of modern and historic architecture, while Fresno is noted for its agricultural facilities and growing urban infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Fresno
Sacramento
Hospitals
32
17
TV stations
4
23
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
98
127
Bank institutions located here
25
31
Main business address for public companies
1
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fresno
Sacramento
1999
717
1,003
2000
484
1,155
2001
462
983
2002
569
1,197
2003
1,510
2,258
2004
2,462
3,872
2005
3,394
4,610
2006
3,441
4,276
2007
2,138
2,386
2008
760
1,381
2009
354
647
Culture and Food
Fresno's culture is heavily influenced by its agricultural roots, which is particularly reflected in its food scene. Expect farm-to-table eateries and wine tours. Sacramento, meanwhile, offers a more varied culture and dining scene, with a range of international cuisines and breweries on offer, as well as a thriving arts scene.
Sports Teams
Fresno is the home of the Fresno Grizzlies, a Minor League Baseball team, while Sacramento is home to the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association and the Sacramento River Cats, a Minor League Baseball team.
Fresno, CA
Sacramento, CA
Fresno, CA and 
Sacramento, CA : 153.1 miles
