Quality of Life in Fresno, CA on a $64,160 Salary

Overview of Costs & Income

• Annual Income: $64,160
• Median Household Income in Fresno: Approximately $52,000
• Comparison to National Median Household Income: Slightly below the national average of around $68,700

Cost of Living

• General Cost of Living:
  • Fresno’s cost of living is about 8% lower than the California average.
  • Comparatively affordable relative to high-cost areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
• Major Expenses:
  • Groceries: Slightly below the national average.
  • Utilities: Generally on par with or just below the average in the U.S.
  • Transportation: Relatively affordable due to moderate public transport costs and short commutes.

Housing Market

• Median Home Price: Approximately $330,000, notably lower than the California median.
• Rental Costs: Moderate, but rising with a growing demand for rental properties.
• Affordability:
  • More accessible compared to major state urban centers, though still challenging given income constraints and rising prices.

Quality of Life

• Work-Life Balance: Fresno offers a more relaxed pace than larger cities, aiding in better work-life balance.
• Environment:
  • Rich agricultural setting with proximity to national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia.
  • Some air quality issues compared to other regions.

Access to Healthcare

• Healthcare Facilities:
  • Adequate for most needs with several hospitals and clinics.
  • Costs are generally high, consistent with statewide trends.
• Access: Good accessibility to primary care but specialist services may require travel.

Education (K-12 Schools)

• Public School Quality:
  • Mixed outcomes; some schools perform around or slightly below the national average.
  • Varied quality across districts with some high-performing magnet and charter options.
• Private School Options: Available, providing alternative education routes for families.

Summary of Assessment

Living in Fresno on a $64,160 salary offers a moderate quality of life. While housing is more affordable than in many parts of California, the income may still challenge buyers due to the rising cost of homes and rent. The lower cost of living contributes favorably, particularly for essential goods and services. Healthcare is accessible but costly, requiring prudent budgeting. Schools vary widely in quality,