Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Orange, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Orange

California
206

Austin is 35% cheaper than Orange.

$1,655/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 36%
$91,461/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 28%
$512,700 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 76%
$1,747/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 37%
967,862
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $25,484/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Orange — common questions

Is Austin or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Orange?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Orange?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $25,484/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Orange details →

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