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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Fresno

California
101

Houston is 13% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,313/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ≈ Same
$62,894/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 6%
$253,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 38%
$1,316/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 6%
2,300,419
Population
543,615

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,910/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Fresno — common questions

Is Houston or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Fresno?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Fresno?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $3,910/year higher in Fresno.
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 Houston or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Fresno details →

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