Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs College Station, TX (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Arvada is 61% more expensive than College Station.

$1,802/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 35%
$113,396/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 54%
$600,800 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 46%
$1,948/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 36%
122,835
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $61,620/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs College Station — common questions

Is Arvada or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and College Station?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or College Station?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $61,620/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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