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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

College Station is 10% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,168/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 13%
$51,776/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 41%
$326,500 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 36%
$1,251/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ≈ Same
122,280
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $21,254/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Odessa — common questions

Is College Station or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Odessa?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Odessa?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,254/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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