Cost of Living: College Station, TX vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

College Station

Texas
91
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

College Station is 24% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,168/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 46%
$51,776/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 34%
$326,500 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 13%
$1,251/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 33%
122,280
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $17,485/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is College Station or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $17,485/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View College Station details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for College Station and West Palm Beach

College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings