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

Oakland

California
195
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Oakland is 114% more expensive than College Station.

$1,917/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 39%
$97,369/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 47%
$924,700 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 65%
$2,164/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 42%
438,072
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $45,593/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs College Station — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and College Station?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or College Station?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $45,593/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and College Station

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette