Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Los Angeles is 105% more expensive than College Station.

$1,879/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 38%
$80,366/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 36%
$879,500 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 63%
$2,055/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 39%
3,857,897
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $28,590/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs College Station — common questions

Is Los Angeles or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and College Station?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or College Station?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $28,590/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and College Station

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette