Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Elk Grove is 23% more expensive than Allen.

$2,180/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 14%
$122,229/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 6%
$603,400 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 29%
$2,227/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 6%
177,221
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $6,901/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Allen — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Allen?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Allen?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $6,901/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Allen

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago