Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Houston is 52% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,313/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 74%
$62,894/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 74%
$253,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 174%
$1,316/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 77%
2,300,419
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $973/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $11,676/year.

Median household income is $46,617/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Houston or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $973/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $46,617/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Houston or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Rancho Cucamonga

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