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Moving from California to Texas: state taxes and cost of living compared

Official state tax rules and federal statistics for both states, with every difference computed from the published figures.

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13.3%Top state income tax rate, California
NoneTop state income tax rate, Texas
$-645Difference in median rent per month
-13.6Difference in price level
Data updated 30 October 2026 Official sources: state revenue departments, Census Bureau, BEA, EIA, FBI Also served to AI agents via MCP

The short answer

What changes when you move from California to Texas?

State income tax in California: Graduated, top rate 13.3% from $1,000,000 of taxable income (single filer). In Texas: No state income tax on wages. Rents, home values, property tax and price levels differ as well; the table below sets them side by side with the difference computed from official figures.

Evidence: Official source · Machine-readable data · As of 30 October 2026

Side by side

California and Texas compared

State tax rates and official statistics for California and Texas. The difference is Texas minus California, computed from the published figures.

California and Texas compared
MetricCaliforniaTexasDifference
Top state income tax rate13.3%0%-13.3 percentage points
State sales tax rate7.25%6.25%-1 percentage points
Median gross rent per month$2,160$1,515$-645
Median home value$770,700$318,100$-452,600
Property tax as a share of home value0.72%1.32%+0.6 percentage points
Price level (US = 100)110.797.1-13.6
Residential electricity price32.58 cents per kWh16.03 cents per kWh-16.55 cents per kWh

Difference = destination minus origin. Income tax differences are in percentage points. State level only; local taxes are not included.

State tax rules

Tax rules in California and Texas

State income tax: California
Graduated, top rate 13.3% from $1,000,000 of taxable income (single filer)
Source
Inheritance tax: California
California has no inheritance tax or gift tax.
Source
Sales tax: California
Statewide rate 7.25%; local rates may be added
Source
State income tax: Texas
No state income tax on wages
Source
Capital gains: Texas
Texas does not tax capital gains because it has no individual income tax.
Source
Sales tax: Texas
Statewide rate 6.25%; local rates may be added
Source

All figures for California · All figures for Texas

Back to the state overview · Methodology and sources

Questions

California to Texas: common questions

How does state income tax differ between California and Texas?

In California: Graduated, top rate 13.3% from $1,000,000 of taxable income (single filer). In Texas: No state income tax on wages. Federal income tax is the same in both states.

Does California keep taxing me after I move to Texas?

The old state can still tax income earned there, and some states test whether you really gave up your domicile. Keep evidence of the move: a new home, driving licence, voter registration and where you spend your days. Each state page quotes the residency test from the official source.

Are these figures a personal tax calculation?

No. They are statutory rates and official statistics. Your own bill depends on your income, deductions and local taxes. For a personal calculation use the state revenue department or a tax adviser.

Information, not tax or legal advice. Rates are statutory state rates for the stated year; local income, sales and property taxes, deductions and federal tax are not included. Statistics are the latest official releases for the year shown. Confirm your own position with the state revenue department or a tax adviser.

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Residence, tax domicile and timing decide what a move is worth. Our consultants help you weigh state tax, cost of living and your immigration status together, in confidence.

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