Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Fresno
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Fresno
Moving from Ann Arbor to Fresno comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Fresno is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Ann Arbor | Fresno | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,260 | $1,650 |
Average home value | $474,909 | $381,180 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $63,001 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $2,277 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $5,358 |
Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 7.09% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.98% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Fresno are 27% lower than in Ann Arbor, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Fresno.
Home prices in Fresno are 19.7% lower than in Ann Arbor. - Income in Fresno is 5.9% lower than in Ann Arbor, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fresno include Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno City College, and PrideStaff.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fresno, since the cost of living for a single person in Fresno is 4.6% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Fresno and Ann Arbor.
- The unemployment rate in Fresno is 102.57% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fresno, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fresno are 33.00% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- State income taxes in Fresno are 212.94% higher than in Ann Arbor.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,139.25 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Fresno
Fresno | Ann Arbor | |
---|---|---|
Population | 542,107 | 123,851 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
Walkability score | 47 | 52 |
Bike friendliness score | 58 | 71 |
Crime Index | 56.85 | 31.0 |
Safety Index | 43.15 | 79.18 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Fresno's population is about 338% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Fresno's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
- Fresno is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
- Fresno has a bike-friendliness score 58 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
- Fresno's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 56.85 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Fresno is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 43.15 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Fresno is moderate, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor vs. Fresno move
- Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Fresno. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Fresno
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fresno.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tower District
- Mural District
- Mclane
- Central Fresno
Best neighborhoods for families
- Woodrow Park
- Fig Garden
- Mclane
- Sunnyside
Things to do in Fresno
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fresno has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Fresno is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Fresno?
The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Fresno is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Fresno?
Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Fresno in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Fresno take?
The 2,364-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Fresno, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fresno.