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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Sacramento is 45% more expensive than College Station.

$1,694/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 31%
$83,753/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 38%
$484,600 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 33%
$1,752/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 29%
524,802
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $526/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $6,312/year.

Median household income is $31,977/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs College Station — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and College Station?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $526/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or College Station?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $31,977/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and College Station

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette