Fresno, CA, and Reno, NV, are interesting cities unique in many aspects. Both have a rich history, cultural diversity, unique geographical features, and thriving economies. This comparison aims to assist anyone considering relocating or simply planning a visit. The discussion considers critical factors such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, and occupations, among other topics.
Distance between
Fresno, CA and
Reno, NV : 189.7 miles
Fresno's population is larger by 103%. Its population has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) since 2000. The population of Reno has grown by 88,371 people (49.0%) during that time.
In terms of crime, both Fresno and Reno have higher crime rates compared to the national averages. Fresno's crime rate is higher than Reno, with violent crimes particularly noticeable. Law enforcement entities are vigilant and proactive in both cities, implementing strategies to enhance safety. Visitors are generally safe but should adhere to common-sense precautions.
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 1,525 registered sex offenders living in Fresno and 1,265 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fresno is 342 to 1; the ratio in Reno is 194 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Fresno than in Reno.
Cost of Living
While both cities are affordable compared to many regions in California or Nevada, Fresno has a slightly lower cost of living. Costs for housing, transportation, and groceries are generally more affordable in Fresno, making it a more pocket-friendly destination for relocation or travel.
Income Tax
California, where Fresno resides, has a progressive income tax, while Nevada, home to Reno, has no state income tax. This is one key consideration for those considering establishing permanent residency in either city.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both Fresno and Reno are relatively low compared to national averages, with Fresno's being slightly lower than Reno.
Sales Tax
Fresno’s sales tax rate is 7.975%, which is higher than Reno's sales tax rate of 8.265%. However, Nevada does not have a state income tax, which may appeal to some individuals.
Income
Type
Fresno
Reno
Estimated median household income
$61,250
$67,478
Estimated per capita income
$28,499
$37,989
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.3
99.5
If you make $50,000 in Fresno, you will have to make $51,661 in Reno to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Fresno sits in the center of California's San Joaquin Valley, with access to several national parks. Reno is located more inland, nestled close to the Sierra Nevada mountains, drawing outdoor enthusiasts.
Both Fresno and Reno take pride in their educational systems. Fresno is home to the esteemed California State University, Fresno, whereas Reno hosts the University of Nevada, Reno. Public and private primary and secondary schools in both cities also perform above average.
Both Fresno and Reno have robust economies. Fresno’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, food processing, and healthcare services, while Reno's economy pivots around its well-known gambling, tourism industries, and a burgeoning tech scene.
Biggest Employers
In Fresno, the vast healthcare sector employs a significant proportion of residents, with Community Medical Centers and Saint Agnes Medical Center leading. In Reno, the gaming industry leads with employers such as Peppermill Reno, Eldorado Resort, and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
There were 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011) compared to 1,414 building permits issued in Reno in 2012 (1095 more than in 2011).
In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Reno (Washoe County), 50.8% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
2020
53.0%
50.8%
45.2%
46.3%
1.8%
2.9%
2016
49.2%
46.4%
43.2%
45.1%
7.5%
8.5%
2012
49.8%
50.8%
48.0%
47.1%
2.2%
2.1%
2008
50.2%
55.2%
48.1%
42.6%
1.8%
2.1%
2004
42.0%
47.2%
57.8%
51.4%
0.3%
1.4%
2000
43.2%
42.7%
53.3%
52.1%
3.5%
5.3%
1996
45.3%
21.0%
47.4%
72.1%
7.3%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
CATHOLIC CHURCH
31.0%
14.4%
6.1%
6.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.1%
8.1%
12.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
2.6%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.1%
2.4%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.3%
2.0%
1.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.1%
0.6%
0.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.7%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
3.3%
Weather
Fresno experiences a Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and mild winters. Reno has a semi-arid climate, experiencing cold, snowy winters, but mild, dry summers. Reno's weather is considered more extreme, with sharper fluctuations in temperature between seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Fresno
Reno
Temperature - Average
63°F
51.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
51.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
67%
57%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
88%
75%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
21%
18%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11.6 in
8.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
45 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.4%
26.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.8%
88.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
30%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
96%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
65%
Wind speed - Average
6.5 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Fresno, California
Average climate in Reno, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
Fresno
Reno
2018
128
80
0.35
0.22
9.7
12.8
31.7
31.6
N/A
N/A
39.7
20.3
14.8
8.2
0.6
0.2
2017
132
87
0.35
0.22
9.2
12.9
33.2
31.7
N/A
N/A
38.3
19.0
14.3
7.5
0.6
0.3
2016
128
77
0.35
0.20
8.4
12.7
31.4
31.9
N/A
N/A
34.7
17.8
13.5
6.7
0.5
0.2
2015
134
90
0.32
0.21
8.7
14.1
31.1
30.8
N/A
N/A
34.2
18.5
13.9
7.8
0.5
0.4
2014
139
130
0.33
0.22
10.1
13.7
32.4
31.7
0.004
N/A
39.3
21.8
16.4
7.8
0.5
0.4
2013
136
166
0.37
0.27
11.1
16.0
31.0
29.4
0.005
N/A
43.3
27.0
19.1
10.8
0.6
0.5
2012
140
121
0.36
0.27
9.7
14.1
31.9
32.7
0.004
N/A
36.1
18.1
14.2
6.2
0.6
0.4
2011
139
76
0.34
0.27
8.7
16.7
33.5
29.5
N/A
N/A
30.2
N/A
21.1
6.8
0.8
0.5
2010
121
73
0.27
0.23
6.9
16.3
31.1
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
N/A
2009
107
68
0.31
0.32
7.3
17.4
29.6
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2008
130
81
0.33
0.27
9.3
17.9
31.1
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
1.0
N/A
2007
146
85
0.34
0.34
10.0
18.9
28.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.0
11.2
0.7
N/A
2006
104
88
0.36
0.38
11.3
19.3
29.7
29.0
0.006
N/A
N/A
29.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2005
101
76
0.33
0.45
10.7
18.0
28.1
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2004
103
76
0.34
0.38
11.5
N/A
30.8
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
33.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
115
69
0.44
0.44
15.0
N/A
31.2
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
1.2
N/A
2002
139
77
0.43
0.53
15.2
N/A
44.8
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
143
68
0.42
0.77
15.1
7.4
47.3
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
136
66
0.51
0.75
15.4
7.9
41.0
24.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Fresno
Reno
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9.9%
2.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
8,613%
6,879.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
28%
Transportation
Both Fresno and Reno have efficient public transit systems. Fresno Area Express (FAX) offers bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas, while Reno's Regional Transportation Commission provides public transit in Reno and Sparks area.
Transport
Type
Fresno
Reno
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
408
758
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
36
16
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fresno
Reno
Bicycle
0.8%
0.1%
Bus
1.3%
1.8%
Carpooled
10.7%
10.2%
Car alone
84.4%
81.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
1.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fresno
Reno
Average
23.7 min
24.2 min
Other means
21.5 min
18.6 min
Public transportation
45.3 min
36.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fresno
Reno
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.3%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
10.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Fresno is relatively more affordable than in Reno, with a median home cost lower than the national median. Reno's real estate is pricier, reflecting demand driven by the tech-industry migration and the city's popularity as a tourist destination.
Neighborhoods
Fresno's neighborhoods are diverse, with areas such as Old Fig Garden and Huntington Boulevard appealing for their rich history and architecture. Reno's neighborhoods, like Virginia Lake and Somersett, offer prime housing combined with entertainment and recreation amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Fresno
Reno
Houses
188,756
116,918
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1977
1984
Median year house/condo built
1983
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
10.5 years
Houses occupied
181,841 (96.3%)
110,993 (94.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
91,233 (50.2%)
54,158 (48.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
90,608 (49.8%)
56,835 (51.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$958.34
$1,306
Median monthly housing costs
$1,209
$1,307
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$285,919
$797,037
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,300
$469,100
Median numbers of rooms
5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$375,492
$560,745
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,112
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$196,355
$273,291
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$287,684
$239,159
Median house price - mobile homes
$100,122
$115,836
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$260,277
$364,237
Median house price - All housing units
$358,028
$513,401
Median house age
42
33
Renting percentage
50.9%
52%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,808.6
1,691.7
House value disparities
29.4%
27.4%
Household income disparities
46.4%
44.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$97,354
$114,336
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$73,445
$64,370
Housing units without a mortgage
1,037 (1.7%)
616 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,880 (4.8%)
1,679 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,354 (98.3%)
35,814 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
68 (0.1%)
129 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,120 (6.8%)
1,980 (5.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
2.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fresno
Reno
One, detached
59.0%
51.5%
One, attached
3.2%
5.7%
Two
3.0%
1.1%
3 or 4
7.8%
5.0%
5 to 9
9.6%
9.7%
10 to 19
3.6%
9.2%
20 to 49
3.4%
5.7%
50 or more
7.5%
8.1%
Mobile homes
2.6%
3.7%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,428
5,944
State government workers
9,836
7,119
Unpaid family workers
890
127
Industries and Occupations
Fresno's key industries are agriculture, food processing, medical, and education. Reno’s main industries also include hospitality and gaming but also have a growing presence of tech companies, thanks to a friendly business environment.
Both cities are well-serviced with hospitals and health care centers. Fresno has the Community Medical Centers and Saint Agnes Medical Center. Reno has renowned hospitals such as the Renown Regional Medical Center and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
Fresno boasts of well-established infrastructure with expansive highways, an international airport, and public transit options. Reno also boasts impressive infrastructure, particularly in hospitality due to the booming tourism sector.
Infrastructure
Type
Fresno
Reno
Hospitals
32
11
TV stations
4
15
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
98
60
Bank institutions located here
25
11
Main business address for public companies
1
12
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
20
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fresno
Reno
1999
717
668
2000
484
565
2001
462
362
2002
569
305
2003
1,510
478
2004
2,462
725
2005
3,394
944
2006
3,441
1,006
2007
2,138
572
2008
760
220
2009
354
123
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Fresno is known for its diversity, while Reno is known for casinos and entertainment. Reno's proximity to Lake Tahoe also provides abundant outdoor activities. Fresno's food scene ranges from local farm-to-table dining to international cuisine. Similarly, foodies in Reno will appreciate its diverse culinary scene.
Sports Teams
For sports lovers, Fresno has minor league baseball team, the Fresno Grizzlies. Reno has minor league baseball team, the Reno Aces, and United Soccer League team, Reno 1868 FC.
Fresno, CA
Reno, NV
