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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Fresno is 42% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,324/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
$66,804/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 6%
$348,500 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 49%
$1,391/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 20%
543,615
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $4,084/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Abilene — common questions

Is Fresno or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Abilene?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Abilene?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $4,084/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Abilene details →

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