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

Visalia

California
104
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Visalia is 14% more expensive than College Station.

$1,397/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 16%
$79,952/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 35%
$340,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 4%
$1,509/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 17%
142,649
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Visalia, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $28,176/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Visalia is $340,600 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

Visalia vs College Station — common questions

Is Visalia 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Visalia and College Station?
Median rent in Visalia is $1,397/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Visalia or College Station?
Median household income is $79,952 in Visalia and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $28,176/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Visalia has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,397/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 Visalia details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Visalia and College Station

Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette