Joshua, TX vs Katy, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joshua is 15.3% cheaper than Katy. With a cost index of 97 vs 115, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joshua to Katy should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joshua is $1,286/month compared to $1,609/month in Katy — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joshua is more affordable at $271,000 median vs $376,800.

Median household income in Joshua is $60,466 compared to $107,332 in Katy (-43.7%). While Katy is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Joshua spend roughly 25.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18% in Katy.

Climate-wise, Katy is notably warmer with an average of 71.1°F compared to 67.8°F in Joshua. Katy receives more rainfall at 49.7" per year compared to 32.6" in Joshua.