Cost of Living: Salinas, CA vs Denton, TX (2026)

Salinas

California
156
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Salinas is 56% more expensive than Denton.

$1,923/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 30%
$89,150/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 17%
$610,900 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 47%
$1,912/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 24%
161,993
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $15,431/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas vs Denton — common questions

Is Salinas or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Denton?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Denton?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $15,431/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salinas details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Denton

Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe