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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Fresno and Denton have a similar cost of living.

$1,324/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 2%
$66,804/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 10%
$348,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 7%
$1,391/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 5%
543,615
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,915/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Denton — common questions

Is Fresno or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Denton?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Denton?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $6,915/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Denton details →

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