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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Fresno is 35% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,324/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 14%
$66,804/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 43%
$1,391/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 15%
543,615
Population
261,078

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
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $6,317/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Fresno or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Lubbock?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Lubbock?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $6,317/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 Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Lubbock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Lubbock

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving