Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Dallas is 4% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $72,196 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) match Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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