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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Palmdale is 73% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,736/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 34%
$81,151/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 28%
$435,300 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 55%
$1,831/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 36%
165,487
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $22,812/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Killeen — common questions

Is Palmdale or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Killeen?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Killeen?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $22,812/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palmdale details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Killeen

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale