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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Fresno is 26% cheaper than Allen.

$1,324/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 42%
$66,804/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 93%
$348,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 23%
$1,391/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 50%
543,615
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $62,326/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Allen — common questions

Is Fresno or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Allen?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Allen?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $62,326/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Allen

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago