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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fresno is 40% more expensive than Waco.

$1,324/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 17%
$66,804/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 23%
$348,500 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 43%
$1,391/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 21%
543,615
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $15,336/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Waco — common questions

Is Fresno or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Waco?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Waco?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $15,336/year higher in Fresno.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Waco details →

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