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

Fresno

California
101
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fresno is 53% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,324/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
$66,804/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 10%
$348,500 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 50%
$1,391/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 28%
543,615
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $6,639/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fresno or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and McAllen?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or McAllen?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $6,639/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View McAllen details →

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