Median rent is 20% lower in Fresno ($1,324/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fresno, where the median home runs $348,500 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $66,804 a year). Taken together, Fresno is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 98.8 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Fresno is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.9 in Fresno vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Fresno, CA
How much would you need to earn in Fresno, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Fresno, CA
$69,726
You could earn $5,274 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Fresno
California
👥Population
Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Fresno at $1,324/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $348,500 in Fresno — 32% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Fresno
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Fresno if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Fresno if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,324/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Fresno?
Fresno is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Fresno.
How much is rent in Austin vs Fresno?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,324/mo in Fresno, CA. Fresno, CA has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Fresno?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $66,804 in Fresno, CA. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Fresno?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Fresno to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $92,968 in Fresno, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology