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

Orange

California
206
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Orange is 126% more expensive than College Station.

$2,252/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 48%
$116,945/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 56%
$900,700 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 64%
$2,394/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 48%
138,723
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,084/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $13,008/year.

Median household income is $65,169/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs College Station — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and College Station?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $1,084/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or College Station?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $65,169/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and College Station

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette