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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Fresno is 21% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,324/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 38%
$66,804/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 44%
$348,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 16%
$1,391/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 29%
543,615
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $29,453/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Richardson — common questions

Is Fresno or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Richardson?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Richardson?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $29,453/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Richardson details →

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