Cost of Living: College Station, TX vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

College Station

Texas
91
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

College Station is 32% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,168/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 23%
$51,776/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 32%
$326,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 88%
$1,251/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 17%
122,280
Population
114,617

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $16,602/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is College Station or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $16,602/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 College Station or East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View College Station details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for College Station and East Los Angeles

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