California vs Texas: cost of living
Texas is the cheaper state of the two, with an overall price level of 97.5 versus 112.5 for California (BEA Regional Price Parity, US = 100) — so California is about 15.4% more expensive. California's median household income is $95,521 versus $75,780 in Texas, and median rent is $2,104 versus $1,475 a month. To keep a $100,000 standard of living moving from California to Texas you'd need about $86,667.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (RPP), all items. Data as of June 2026.
California vs Texas side by side
| Indicator | California | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Price level (BEA RPP, US=100) | 112.5 | 97.5 |
| Price vs US average | +12.5% | -2.5% |
| Median household income (ACS 2023) | $95,521 | $75,780 |
| Median gross rent / month | $2,104 | $1,475 |
| Census region | West | South |
Sources: BEA RPP 2022; Census ACS income and rent 2023.
Salary needed to move
Using the price-level ratio (the salary-needed formula on our methodology page), here is the equivalent pay needed to hold the same standard of living when you move between California and Texas:
| If you earn this here… | …you'd need this there |
|---|---|
| $60,000 in California | $52,000 in Texas |
| $100,000 in California | $86,667 in Texas |
| $60,000 in Texas | $69,231 in California |
| $100,000 in Texas | $115,385 in California |
Verdict
On price level alone, Texas stretches a paycheck further than California by roughly 15.4%. But cost of living is only half the picture: California has the higher median household income ($95,521), and neither figure accounts for state income tax, which can swing the real-world gap. Read each state's full page for context — California and Texas — and run your exact salary through the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is California or Texas cheaper to live in?
Texas is the cheaper of the two: its overall price level is 97.5 versus 112.5 for California on the BEA Regional Price Parity scale (US = 100), making California about 15.4% more expensive. This is an estimate of overall prices; verify with the BEA.
What salary in Texas matches $100,000 in California?
About $86,667. Because Texas's price level (97.5) is lower than California's (112.5), $100,000 of California buying power equals roughly $86,667 in Texas. The reverse: $100,000 in Texas is worth about $115,385 in California. Estimate based on price level only — it ignores taxes and your job market.
Which state has higher incomes, California or Texas?
California has the higher median household income: $95,521 versus $75,780 (US Census Bureau ACS 2023).
More comparisons
Last updated: 2026-06-18