Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs College Station, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Phoenix is 20% more expensive than College Station.

$1,458/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 20%
$77,041/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 33%
$381,900 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 15%
$1,430/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 13%
1,624,832
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $25,265/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs College Station — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and College Station?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or College Station?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $25,265/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and College Station

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