01 · the cities
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 88 cities pretending to be one, connected by freeways and a shared love of really good tacos. Every neighborhood is its own scene: surfers in Venice, the Korean grandmas of K-town, mountains rising behind Pasadena, Persian rugs in Westwood. The light at golden hour is so good it makes Instagram filters jealous. Roll the windows down at golden hour, put on a playlist, and let the city stretch out.
full dispatch→Fresno
Fresno sits at the heart of the most productive farm region in the world, with almonds, grapes, and stone fruit stretching to every horizon. It's the gateway to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon (three of the country's best national parks all under two hours away). The food scene leans on incredible local produce and a deep Mexican and Hmong food culture. Underrated.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$2,899/mo
$1,999/mo
$900/mo less than Los Angeles (45%)
Median home price
Median home price
$1.0M
$418k
$612k less than Los Angeles
State income tax
State income tax
9.3%
9.3%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$4,659/mo
$5,559/mo
Fresno has $900/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
283 days
206 days
77 fewer than Los Angeles
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
19 days
107 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
0 days
0 days
days below 20°F per year
Fresno has 88 more days above 95°F each year than Los Angeles.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
67 / 100
66 / 100
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
150 routes
11 routes
139 fewer direct routes than Los Angeles
Metro size
Metro size
12.8M metro
1.2M metro
Los Angeles has 9.2x more events per month than Fresno.
the verdict
3
Los Angeles
categories won
3
Fresno
categories won
Los Angeles wins on weather and lifestyle, Fresno wins on money. Dead even.
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