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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Killeen is 57% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,147/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 103%
$58,339/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 88%
$196,000 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 210%
$1,176/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 102%
156,144
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,183/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $14,196/year.

Median household income is $51,441/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Killeen or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Murrieta?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,183/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Murrieta?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $51,441/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Killeen details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Murrieta

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