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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Fresno is 22% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,324/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$66,804/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 40%
$1,391/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 10%
543,615
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,226/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Odessa — common questions

Is Fresno or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Odessa?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Odessa?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $6,226/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Odessa details →

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