California vs Texas
Side-by-side cost of living comparison.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7.25%
6.25%
+1.0 pp in California
Income Tax (top rate)
13.30%
None
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,688
$1,170
+31% in California
Median Home Value
$771,700
$264,900
+66% in California
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$83,969
$67,043
+20% in California
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
64.4°F
67.2°F
+2.8°F in Texas
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 9/8 cities we track in California/Texas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.