Cost of Living: Denton, TX vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Denton is 20% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,344/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 2%
$73,719/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$73,030/yr ≈ Same
$325,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 36%
$1,461/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 14%
146,987
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $689/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Odessa — common questions

Is Denton or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Odessa?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Odessa?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $689/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denton and Odessa

Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham