California vs Texas: Cost of Living
Side-by-side comparison · 2023 Census ACS & Tax Foundation data
California
- Median Home
- $695,400
- Median Rent
- $1,956/mo
- Median Income
- $96,334
- Income Tax
- 13.3%
Texas
- Median Home
- $260,400
- Median Rent
- $1,339/mo
- Median Income
- $76,292
- Income Tax
- None
| Category | California | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $695,400 | $260,400 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,956/mo | $1,339/mo |
| Median Household Income | $96,334 | $76,292 |
| Per Capita Income | $47,977 | $39,446 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.4% | 5.1% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% | 13.8% |
| Avg Commute | 29.8 min | 27.7 min |
| Taxes | ||
| State Income Tax (top rate) | 13.3% | None |
| Total Sales Tax | 8.7% | 8.2% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.7% | 1.7% |
Green = better value for that metric. Data from 2023 Census ACS 5-Year Estimates and Tax Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California or Texas cheaper to live in?
Based on median home values, Texas is more affordable. California's median home value is $695,400 vs Texas's $260,400. However, income levels also matter — California's median household income is $96,334 while Texas's is $76,292.
Does California or Texas have lower income taxes?
Texas has no state income tax. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3%.
What is the difference in cost of living between California and Texas?
Median home values differ by $435,000. Median rents differ by $617/mo. Median incomes: California $96,334, Texas $76,292.