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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Murrieta

California
175

College Station is 48% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,168/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 99%
$51,776/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 112%
$326,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 86%
$1,251/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 90%
122,280
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,162/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $13,944/year.

Median household income is $58,004/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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 Murrieta — common questions

Is College Station or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Murrieta?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,162/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Murrieta?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $58,004/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View College Station details → View Murrieta details →

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