Median rent is 44% lower in Killeen ($1,147/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Killeen, where the median home runs $196,000 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $58,339 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (92.0).
City A
Killeen, TX
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Killeen, TX?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Killeen
Texas
Temple City
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Killeen — median rent of $1,147/mo versus $2,034/mo in Temple City, a 44% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $196,000 in Killeen — 79% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Killeen a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Killeen has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Killeen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/yr).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,147/mo median).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Killeen cheaper than Temple City?
Killeen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 92.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Killeen.
How much is rent in Killeen vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,147/mo in Killeen, TX and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Killeen, TX has the lower rent by about 44%.
Which has higher salaries — Killeen or Temple City?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen, TX and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Killeen or Temple City?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Temple City to match my Killeen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Killeen, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Temple City, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology