Sitting at the base of three national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia, is a city that calls itself the “best little city in America.” Fresno doesn’t see this so much as tooting its own horn but as advertising to visitors and future residents exactly what’s in store.
Living in Fresno, CA
Located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Fresno is nestled in California’s San Joaquin Valley and is home to over 480,000 residents. While it doesn’t have the fast paced lifestyle of L.A. or the note-worthy city landscape of San Francisco, it is home to arts and culture and a large number of late 20, early 30-somethings. Residing in Fresno means you don’t have to choose between the fun of cultured city life or the appeal of the great outdoors. It has everything in one central location. You can hike (Fresno is the closest city to Yosemite National Park) by day and take in the diverse cuisine and downtown music scene by night.
Apartment Hunting in Fresno, CA
Fresno is one of the most affordable places to live in California, so you're in luck as an apartment hunter. You can expect to pay an average of $1,345 a month if you rent in Fresno.
To get started on your apartment hunting journey, select the number of bedrooms you're looking for in the box on the right.
Cost of Living in Fresno, CA
Compared to other cities in California, the cost of living in Fresno is relatively affordable. One adult with no children would need to earn $17.50 an hour to live in Fresno according to MIT's Living Wage Calculator. Furthermore, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Fresno is $1,063 a month.
Best Neighborhoods in Fresno, CA (aka "The Big Raisin")
New York may be the “Big Apple” but Fresno is holding it down for the more shriveled of fruits. With its ample farmland, The Big Raisin has a lot to offer in terms of fresh fruit including local wineries like those on the Madera Wine Trail.
North Fresno
Perhaps the biggest selling point for the North Fresno area is that while it’s close to shopping, restaurants, and dog parks, there remains a small town feel. Many of the communities in this area (Woodward Lake, Dominion Heights, Van Ness Extension, Old Fig Garden) are a bit more progressive but keep their suburban appeal with a mix of older, ranch-style homes on large lots, newly constructed modern homes and an array of apartment homes. Those who like to stroll the farmer’s market or take in a holiday parade will adore living in this area of Fresno. Rental prices here can range between $450 and $900 a month, making it a relatively affordable option.
Tower District
About 2 miles north of downtown, sits an eccentric little neighborhood called the Tower District. Living in the Tower District means having your choice of early 20th century older homes such as bungalows and Craftsman style homes, as well as one-story apartment homes with small yards that feel a bit more suburban than urban. Living here also means that you can enjoy a bit of nightlife, shopping at antique shops, and the sipping of coffee at a local café or two. This area is home to many active 30-somethings and remains a little urban retail haven for residents who thrive on the culture and eccentricity of a more mainstream “city” life. The cost of living here is fairly reasonable, as studios in the Tower District can be rented for as low as $450 for all you singletons looking to relocate.
Huntington Blvd.
You’ll have no trouble finding this neighborhood thanks to its large, ivory plaque. It's the historic homes lining the wide, old-fashioned streets, however, that’ll really draw you in. Boasting old-style bungalow homes amidst large, historic houses, this part of town is very friendly. This street also boasts the largest Christmas tree in town, which is a tourist attraction every holiday season. Huntington is, in many ways, a quintessential “Americana” neighborhood. Rentals here are typically single-family homes with 2 bedrooms or more.
Arts District
Fairly new and still emerging, the Arts District is located between Downtown and the Tower District. Apartment living is what this area is all about. In fact, newer, upscale & gated apartments are very popular here, as well as lofts and “live/work” spaces. Sometimes called the “Mural District” this area caters to the arts community in Fresno and is home to some of the city’s museum and performing arts centers. While some smaller family units (couples with one child) reside here, this area is home to young professionals, artists and those who enjoy “downtown” living.
*Many of the apartment rentals around town offer either covered parking (garages or driveways) or parking spaces.
Rent Prices in Fresno, CA
All of our rental pricing data comes directly from our expertly curated database of rental estimates and trends, which we update monthly. The rental estimates on this page were updated in November 2023.
What Is the Average Rent in Fresno, CA?
The average price of rent in Fresno, CA as of November 2023 is $1,345 for a bedroom of any size.
What is the Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom in Fresno, CA?
For a one-bedroom in Fresno, CA, expect to pay an average of $1,063.
What is the Average Rent for a 2-Bedroom in Fresno, CA?
The average renter interested in a 2-Bedroom in Fresno should expect to pay around $1,305.
Pet-Friendly Apartment Hunting in Fresno
Fresno is a pretty average city for pet-friendly rental units. While you will definitely find many options, you may face breed and size restrictions. Make sure to start your hunt early & be up front with prospective landlords about the number and kind of pets you own.
You can find pet friendly apartments by selecting that option when you take our easy quiz to get matched with great apartments in Atlanta. Simply select the number of bedrooms you're looking for on the right.
Climate in Fresno, CA
For those who love the great outdoors, Fresno is the perfect town to reside in due to its proximity to mountains, lakes, rivers, forests. Because of the different terrain, weather in Fresno can vary a lot. It doesn’t really stay too hot or too cold here. In the summer, the daytime high may be 90 while the night time temperature drops back down to the 50s. In the winter months, the temperature does dip to about 30 degrees and rain is expected. Living here means having the ability to participate in outdoor activities year-round.
Transportation in Fresno, CA
Fresno is the largest city in California that is not directly linked to an Interstate. Locals rely on neighborhood streets and main, city roads, such as State Road 99 and State Road 168, to get around town and to connect to the Interstate for commuting purposes. While there is public transportation, the FAX (Fresno Area Express) that serves the greater metro area, residents rely on their own means of transportation to get around.
Fresno has survived the gold mining boom, the fad of dancing cartoon raisins (YouTube it.) and a resurgence of its downtown area. Through it all it has remained diverse, both in culture and in landscape, and stayed true to its agricultural roots. With no airs about it and no need to keep up with its fast-paced, big city neighbors, Fresno is the perfect spot for those looking for a lily in the middle of a valley.
