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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Palmdale is 43% more expensive than College Station.

$1,736/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 33%
$81,151/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 36%
$435,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 25%
$1,831/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 32%
165,487
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $29,375/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 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

Palmdale vs College Station — common questions

Is Palmdale 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 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and College Station?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or College Station?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $29,375/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and College Station

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette