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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Fresno is 23% cheaper than Plano.

$1,324/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 35%
$66,804/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 63%
$348,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 26%
$1,391/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 31%
543,615
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $41,845/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Plano — common questions

Is Fresno or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Plano?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Plano?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $41,845/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Plano

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison