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

Fresno

California
101
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Fresno is 11% more expensive than College Station.

$1,324/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 12%
$66,804/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 22%
$348,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 6%
$1,391/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 10%
543,615
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $15,028/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs College Station — common questions

Is Fresno or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and College Station?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or College Station?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $15,028/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and College Station

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette