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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Corpus Christi

Texas
78

Fresno is 29% more expensive than Corpus Christi.

$1,324/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,230/mo ↓ 7%
$66,804/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$66,325/yr ≈ Same
$348,500 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$197,100 ↓ 43%
$1,391/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,225/mo ↓ 12%
543,615
Population
317,383

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Corpus Christi, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $479/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $197,100 in Corpus Christi.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Corpus Christi — common questions

Is Fresno or Corpus Christi cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Corpus Christi?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Corpus Christi it's $1,230/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Corpus Christi?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $66,325 in Corpus Christi. Median household income is $479/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 Corpus Christi?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,230/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Corpus Christi details →

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