Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Fresno, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Fresno

California
101

Dallas is 4% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,403/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 6%
$67,760/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 1%
$295,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 18%
$1,409/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 1%
1,299,553
Population
543,615

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $956/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Fresno — common questions

Is Dallas or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Fresno?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Fresno?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $956/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Fresno details →

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