Cost of Living: Escondido, CA vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Escondido

California
163
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Escondido is 96% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,922/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 31%
$84,477/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 14%
$663,500 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 69%
$2,022/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 38%
149,913
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Escondido, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $11,447/year higher in Escondido. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Escondido is $663,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Escondido vs Odessa — common questions

Is Escondido or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Escondido and Odessa?
Median rent in Escondido is $1,922/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Escondido or Odessa?
Median household income is $84,477 in Escondido and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $11,447/year higher in Escondido.
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 Escondido or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Escondido has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,922/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 Escondido details → View Odessa details →

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