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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Allen

Texas
137

College Station is 34% cheaper than Allen.

$1,168/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 61%
$51,776/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 149%
$326,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 32%
$1,251/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 67%
122,280
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $77,354/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Allen — common questions

Is College Station or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Allen?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Allen?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $77,354/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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.
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