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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Berkeley is 202% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,127/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 38%
$108,558/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 33%
$1,351,100 ↑ 550%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 85%
$2,340/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 47%
120,223
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $35,528/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Odessa — common questions

Is Berkeley or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Odessa?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Odessa?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $35,528/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Odessa

Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham