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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Fresno is 51% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,324/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 24%
$66,804/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 5%
$348,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 48%
$1,391/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 23%
543,615
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $3,540/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Laredo — common questions

Is Fresno or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Laredo?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Laredo?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $3,540/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Laredo details →

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