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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Fresno is 6% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,324/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 5%
$66,804/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 10%
$348,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 21%
$1,391/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 2%
543,615
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $6,715/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Arlington — common questions

Is Fresno or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Arlington?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Arlington?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $6,715/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Arlington details →

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