Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Berkeley is 83% more expensive than Allen.

$2,127/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 12%
$108,558/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 19%
$1,351,100 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 68%
$2,340/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 11%
120,223
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $20,572/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Allen — common questions

Is Berkeley or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Allen?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Allen?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $20,572/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Allen details →

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