Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fresno, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 1.0% cheaper than Fresno, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Fresno, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Fresno, CA, you'd need approximately $149,134.615 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fresno, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 9.9% more expensive than in Fresno, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,615/month in Fresno, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fresno, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Fresno, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $72 per month, or $865 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fresno, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fresno, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $72.12/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.1K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Fresno, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$72.12

Savings

Annual Impact

$865

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fresno, CA

Population:542K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$319K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$558K

Fresno, CA

The Golden State

542K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 542K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fresno, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Fresno, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $260more	9.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $191less	13.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$959/mo	↓ $130less	11.9%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$589/mo	↑ $86.74more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$541/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 9.9%

Fresno, CA

$2,625

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$260

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.0%

Fresno, CA

$1,475

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$191

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.9%

Fresno, CA

$1,089

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$130

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.3%

Fresno, CA

$502

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$86.74

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Fresno, CA

$1,758

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$16.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Fresno, CA

$530

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$10.93

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,305

To$1,585

↑ $280

1 Bed

From$1,315

To$1,685

↑ $370

2 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,995

↑ $380

3 Bed

From$2,245

To$2,525

↑ $280

Fresno, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$2,010/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,979

Monthly in Fresno, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$19.66

Difference

Home Values

Fresno

Austin

$319K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +32%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$197K - $504K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 75% more expensive than Fresno

Calculate payment - Fresno Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Fresno, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Fresno, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.