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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Fresno is 17% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,324/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 33%
$66,804/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 68%
$348,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 5%
$1,391/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 41%
543,615
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $45,666/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Pearland — common questions

Is Fresno or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Pearland?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Pearland?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $45,666/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Pearland details →

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