Moving from Fresno to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 99 for Fresno (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$681/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
99 → 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,450 → $1,350
per month
State tax
9.3% → None
income tax
COL difference
99 → 95
4% cheaper
Salary needed in Houston to match your Fresno lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fresno | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,384 |
| $50K | $47,980 |
| $60K | $57,576 |
| $75K | $71,970 |
| $80K | $76,768 |
| $100K | $95,960 |
| $120K | $115,152 |
| $150K | $143,939 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$72/moon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Fresno vs Houston
| Expense | Fresno | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $72 | $90 |
| Utilities | $142 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,050 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Fresno?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 99 for Fresno (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fresno to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fresno to Houston saves roughly $681/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,172/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Fresno lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fresno, you'd need roughly $71,970/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Houston to FresnoFresno vs Houston — full comparisonFresno cost of livingHouston cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only