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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Fresno is 5% more expensive than Garland.

$1,324/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 15%
$66,804/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 12%
$348,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 29%
$1,391/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 4%
543,615
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $7,913/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Garland — common questions

Is Fresno or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Garland?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Garland?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $7,913/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Garland details →

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