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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Elk Grove is 85% more expensive than College Station.

$2,180/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 46%
$122,229/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 58%
$603,400 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 46%
$2,227/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 44%
177,221
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,012/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $12,144/year.

Median household income is $70,453/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs College Station — common questions

Is Elk Grove or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and College Station?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $1,012/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or College Station?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $70,453/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette