Manhattan, New York and Fresno, California both offer unique and diverse lifestyles. Manhattan, known as "The City that Never Sleeps", offers a fast-paced, industrious lifestyle with renowned cultural attractions and unparalleled dining experiences. Fresno, on the other hand, offers a calm and laid-back lifestyle, with an agrarian-based economy and stunning natural beauty, including the nearby Yosemite National Park. The comparison between the two cities covers numerous aspects from geography to economy.
Manhattan, NY, being one of the most densely populated areas in the world, experiences higher crime rates compared to Fresno, CA. It's important to remember, though, that crime rates can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to another in both cities. Whilst Fresno has a lower crime rate, it still has areas with significant crime levels. Tourists and potential residents should research individual neighborhoods before visiting or choosing a place to live.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Manhattan is significantly higher than in Fresno. Whether it's housing, groceries, healthcare, or transportation, everything tends to cost more in Manhattan, which is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. On the other hand, Fresno’s cost of living is relatively low compared to the rest of California, making it an affordable option for individuals or families looking to move to California.
Income Tax
New York State has a progressive income tax system, and New York City adds its own tax on top. In contrast, California also has a progressive state tax but no additional city-level tax like Fresno.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally higher in New York than in California. However, considering the vastly higher property values in Manhattan, the absolute dollar amount of property taxes paid by Manhattan property owners is significantly higher than in Fresno.
Sales Tax
New York’s combined state and city sales tax rates can reach up to 8.875%, which is higher than Fresno's combined rate of approximately 7.975%.
Income
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Estimated median household income
$84,435
$61,250
Estimated per capita income
$76,589
$28,499
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.3
96.3
If you make $50,000 in Fresno, you will have to make $96,210 in Manhattan to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Manhattan is an island borough of New York City, featuring rivers, bays, and iconic skyscrapers. Fresno sits in the San Joaquin Valley, near the geographical center of California and close to natural beauties like Yosemite National Park.
Geographical information
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Land area
23 sq. miles
104.4 sq. miles
Population density
70,629 people per sq. mile
5,217.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Manhattan, NY Fresno, CA
Education
In terms of education, both cities have reputable institutions. Manhattan’s school system includes numerous top-performing public and private schools and is home to renowned universities like Columbia University and New York University. Fresno also boasts good educational facilities, with Fresno State University known for its business, healthcare, and education programs.
Manhattan's economy is highly diversified with key industries like financial services, healthcare, media, and retail. It's an economic powerhouse with plenty of job opportunities. Fresno's economy, in contrast, is based on agriculture, healthcare, and retail. Though it has fewer industries compared to Manhattan, Fresno has seen growth in jobs related to agriculture and food production.
Biggest Employers
In Fresno, some of the largest employers are Community Medical Centers, Kaiser Permanente, and agribusinesses like Foster Farms and Sun-Maid. In Manhattan, the top employers span various sectors and include JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Verizon, Columbia University, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
In Manhattan (New York County), 83.9% voted for Democrats and 14.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
2020
86.5%
53.0%
12.2%
45.2%
1.2%
1.8%
2016
86.7%
49.2%
9.7%
43.2%
3.6%
7.5%
2012
83.9%
49.8%
14.9%
48.0%
1.2%
2.2%
2008
86.1%
50.2%
13.5%
48.1%
0.3%
1.8%
2004
82.3%
42.0%
16.8%
57.8%
0.9%
0.3%
2000
80.0%
43.2%
14.5%
53.3%
5.5%
3.5%
1996
80.0%
45.3%
13.8%
47.4%
6.3%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.4%
31.0%
12.6%
6.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.7%
0.3%
2.4%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.7%
0.0%
5.3%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.6%
0.6%
4.7%
2.4%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.2%
0.1%
PATRIAR PARISHE RUSSIAN ORTHODO CHURCH USA
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
2.0%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
2.4%
2.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.6%
2.9%
8.1%
Weather
Weather plays a significant role in lifestyle preferences between these two cities. Manhattan has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that can include snowfall. Conversely, Fresno has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, damp winters. This temperature difference can be appealing to people looking for a laid-back, sun-filled lifestyle in Fresno or those who appreciate the four distinguished seasons in Manhattan.
Weather and climate
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Temperature - Average
54.6°F
63°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.4%
60.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30%
67%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77%
88%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
47%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49.6 in
11.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
57.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.8%
32.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
82.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
96%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
44%
Wind speed - Average
6.7 mph
6.5 mph
Average climate in Manhattan, New York
Average climate in Fresno, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
Manhattan
Fresno
2018
94
128
0.29
0.35
17.3
9.7
23.9
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.7
7.9
14.8
0.5
0.6
2017
97
132
0.16
0.35
17.4
9.2
24.0
33.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
38.3
7.7
14.3
0.4
0.6
2016
94
128
0.28
0.35
18.1
8.4
24.2
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.7
7.7
13.5
0.6
0.5
2015
100
134
0.36
0.32
18.9
8.7
23.0
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.2
8.6
13.9
1.0
0.5
2014
95
139
0.40
0.33
19.1
10.1
22.3
32.4
N/A
0.004
N/A
39.3
8.3
16.4
1.1
0.5
2013
97
136
0.43
0.37
19.5
11.1
22.6
31.0
N/A
0.005
N/A
43.3
9.0
19.1
1.1
0.6
2012
99
140
0.46
0.36
18.6
9.7
23.4
31.9
N/A
0.004
N/A
36.1
9.3
14.2
1.7
0.6
2011
108
139
0.46
0.34
20.7
8.7
22.2
33.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.2
10.9
21.1
2.7
0.8
2010
113
121
0.45
0.27
19.3
6.9
23.3
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
N/A
2.7
0.7
2009
104
107
0.51
0.31
21.9
7.3
18.8
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
N/A
3.8
1.6
2008
110
130
0.49
0.33
23.0
9.3
19.8
31.1
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
22.2
4.6
1.0
2007
121
146
0.56
0.34
24.4
10.0
19.4
28.4
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.1
26.0
5.5
0.7
2006
116
104
0.64
0.36
24.6
11.3
18.9
29.7
0.018
0.006
N/A
N/A
12.9
N/A
6.5
N/A
2005
112
101
0.77
0.33
26.7
10.7
18.4
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
N/A
2004
108
103
0.77
0.34
26.7
11.5
17.3
30.8
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
N/A
2003
107
115
0.83
0.44
27.8
15.0
17.5
31.2
0.024
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
1.2
2002
122
139
0.78
0.43
27.9
15.2
18.7
44.8
0.008
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.3
N/A
2001
123
143
0.79
0.42
29.4
15.1
19.4
47.3
0.020
N/A
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
2000
115
136
0.90
0.51
30.2
15.4
15.0
41.0
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
59.1%
9.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31.1%
8,613%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
12%
Transportation
Manhattan's public transit system is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, with a vast network of subways, buses, and ferries. Commuting without a personal car is commonplace. Fresno, conversely, relies primarily on cars for transportation, though the use of the bus system is also common.
Transport
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
2
408
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
36
Means of transportation to work
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Bicycle
0.9%
0.8%
Bus
10.1%
1.3%
Carpooled
3.4%
10.7%
Car alone
7.6%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
1.1%
0%
Streetcar
0.1%
0%
Subway
43.6%
0.1%
Taxicab
4.7%
0.1%
Walked
21.9%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Average
30.3 min
23.7 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Manhattan are among the highest in the world. Fresno's real estate market is significantly more affordable, which is a key selling point for families and retirees looking to stretch their dollar.
Neighborhoods
Manhattan is famous for its iconic neighborhoods like Times Square, Financial District, and the Upper East Side. Each has its own charm and character. Fresno, although less globally known, also has a variety of neighborhoods to suit different preferences, such as The Tower District, known for its arts scene, and Woodward Park, known for its recreational areas.
Houses and residents
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
Houses
798,144
188,756
Average household size (people)
2
3.1
Houses occupied
738,644 (92.5%)
181,841 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
148,695 (20.1%)
91,233 (50.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
589,949 (79.9%)
90,608 (49.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,690
$958.34
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$3,393,315
$285,919
Estimated median house or condo value
$940,900
$321,300
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
4
5.9
Renting percentage
77.2%
50.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
34,757
1,808.6
Household income disparities
47.8%
46.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,104 (40.3%)
1,037 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13 (0.5%)
2,880 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
1,636 (59.7%)
59,354 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
140 (5.1%)
68 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
140 (5.1%)
4,120 (6.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
69,517
14,428
State government workers
15,544
9,836
Unpaid family workers
1,861
890
Industries and Occupations
Fresno primarily relies on its agriculture industry which provides many jobs in farming, food production, and related industries. Manhattan, with its highly diversified economy, provides a very wide array of jobs, from finance to arts.
Both cities have strong healthcare systems. Manhattan is home to top-ranked hospitals such as New York-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai. Fresno's healthcare sector is anchored by Community Medical Centers and Saint Agnes Medical Center.
Manhattan boasts world-class infrastructure with an extensive public transportation system, networking millions of people across the city. Fresno's infrastructure is less extensive but includes an efficient bus system and airport that connects it to other regions.
Infrastructure
Type
Manhattan
Fresno
TV stations
30
4
Culture and Food
Both cities are culturally diverse. Manhattan, known as a culture hub, is home to iconic cultural institutions and a remarkable culinary scene featuring worldwide cuisines. Fresno may not match the cultural footprint of Manhattan, but it still has a rich cultural scene, with a particular emphasis on its local Mexican heritage, reflected in its popular food scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans have plenty to support in both cities. Manhattan is home to renowned teams like the New York Knicks (NBA), New York Rangers (NHL), and multiple pro teams in nearby boroughs. Fresno may not have an MLB, NBA, or NFL team, but it does have the Fresno Grizzlies (Minor League Baseball) and Fresno FC (soccer).
Manhattan, NY
Fresno, CA
Manhattan, NY and 
Fresno, CA : 2,455.2 miles
