Cost of Living: Denton, TX vs Orange, CA (2026)

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Orange

California
206

Denton is 51% cheaper than Orange.

$1,344/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 68%
$73,719/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 59%
$325,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 177%
$1,461/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 64%
146,987
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $908/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $10,896/year.

Median household income is $43,226/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Orange — common questions

Is Denton or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Orange?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $908/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Orange?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $43,226/year higher in Orange.
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 Denton or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denton details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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