Cost of Living: Frisco, TX vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Frisco

Texas
162
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Frisco is 35% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,902/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 12%
$146,158/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 26%
$595,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 127%
$2,389/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 2%
210,238
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Frisco, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 162 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Frisco, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $37,600/year higher in Frisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Frisco is $595,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Frisco vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Frisco or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Frisco is cheaper to live in with an index of 162 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Frisco and Berkeley?
Median rent in Frisco is $1,902/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Frisco or Berkeley?
Median household income is $146,158 in Frisco and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $37,600/year higher in Frisco.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Frisco or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Frisco has a cost index of 162 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Frisco details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Frisco and Berkeley

Frisco vs. Moreno Valley Frisco vs. Rochester Frisco vs. Fontana Frisco vs. Fayetteville Frisco vs. Des Moines Frisco vs. Yonkers Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach