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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Elk Grove is 68% more expensive than Denton.

$2,180/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 38%
$122,229/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 40%
$603,400 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 46%
$2,227/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 34%
177,221
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $836/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $10,032/year.

Median household income is $48,510/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Denton — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Denton?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $836/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Denton?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $48,510/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Denton

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 Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe