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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Fresno is 25% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,324/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 46%
$66,804/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 106%
$348,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 17%
$1,391/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 42%
543,615
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $70,707/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Fresno or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $70,707/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Sugar Land details →

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