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

Frisco

Texas
162
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Frisco is 47% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,902/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 57%
$146,158/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 19%
$595,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 157%
$2,389/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 28%
210,238
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Frisco, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 162 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,083/month cheaper in Frisco, saving renters about $12,996/year.

Median household income is $27,512/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Frisco is $595,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Frisco vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Frisco or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Frisco is cheaper to live in with an index of 162 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Frisco and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Frisco is $1,902/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,083/month.
Which city has higher income, Frisco or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $146,158 in Frisco and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $27,512/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Frisco has a cost index of 162 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Frisco details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Frisco and Santa Clara

Frisco vs. Moreno Valley Frisco vs. Rochester Frisco vs. Fontana Frisco vs. Fayetteville Frisco vs. Des Moines Frisco vs. Yonkers Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville