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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Fresno is 13% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,324/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 6%
$66,804/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 8%
$348,500 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 35%
$1,391/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ≈ Same
543,615
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $5,039/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Fresno or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Mesquite?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Mesquite?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $5,039/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Mesquite details →

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