Cost of Living: Irving, TX vs Salinas, CA (2026)

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Salinas

California
156

Irving is 35% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,517/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 27%
$79,641/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 12%
$287,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 113%
$1,521/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 26%
255,036
Population
161,993

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $9,509/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Salinas — common questions

Is Irving or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Salinas?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Salinas?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $9,509/year higher in Salinas.
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 Irving or Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irving details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irving and Salinas

Irving vs. Laredo Irving vs. Chesapeake Irving vs. St. Petersburg Irving vs. Winston-Salem Irving vs. Lubbock Irving vs. Glendale Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson