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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Fresno is 13% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,324/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 26%
$66,804/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 48%
$348,500 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 1%
$1,391/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 21%
543,615
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $32,311/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Fresno or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Carrollton?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Carrollton?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $32,311/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Carrollton details →

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