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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Killeen is 76% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,147/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 160%
$58,339/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 198%
$196,000 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 680%
$1,176/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 159%
156,144
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,838/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $22,056/year.

Median household income is $115,331/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Killeen or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,838/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $115,331/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Killeen details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Santa Clara

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville