Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Killeen is 70% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,147/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 85%
$58,339/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 86%
$196,000 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 589%
$1,176/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 99%
156,144
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $980/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $11,760/year.

Median household income is $50,219/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Killeen or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Berkeley?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $980/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Berkeley?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $50,219/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Killeen or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Killeen details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Berkeley

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach