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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Oakland is 95% more expensive than Denton.

$1,917/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 30%
$97,369/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 24%
$924,700 ↑ 184%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 65%
$2,164/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 32%
438,072
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $23,650/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Denton — common questions

Is Oakland or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Denton?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Denton?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $23,650/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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