California versus texas for college student?

Question

which is safer, more affordable, etc and WHY?

i plan to move to either of these when i move out depending on the feedback and research i do, i could use all the help i can get :)

Answer 1

It totally depends what city you're in. If you're in San Jose (one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the country) or L.A., it's pretty darn expensive...but other places aren't at all. If you're in McAllen, TX, it's cheap...but that's not true if you're in Houston or Dallas. Affordability might not matter if you're thinking about living expenses, because you'll be getting most of your food from the dining halls...the only thing you'll really need to pay for is toiletries, books, and alcohol...and you can get toiletries and books online.

In terms of danger...a bunch of cities in CA are very dangerous cities (such as Oakland), but most are quite safe. Same goes with Texas, though since it is more rural, the crime rate is probably lower (since less crimes occur in rural areas usually.) Overall, I would say Texas is probably safer, but only by a little bit. And it doesn't matter at a college, because colleges usually have intense security, and if you're smart (ie. don't wander around by yourself at night) you will be safe.

The two places are very different in atmosphere, though. California has more liberal people. Texas tends to be quite conservative/Republican.

Answer 2

There are areas of Cali that cost less than others, but by national comparison, none are cheap. Texas will be a much cheaper place to live and go to school.

That said, on the whole, Cali has much better schools. After UT Austin the Texas state schools are not impressive.

But expense wise, until you're 24, you would have to pay out of state tuition at CA schools if your parents don't move too, don't know how it works in Texas. OOS costs are very high, $30,000/yr at CSUs and $40,000 at UCs. They are rigid about this because so many try to move there for the schools.

Answer 3

depends on what areas your moving to. Generally Texas would be more affordable ( I live in Plano, TX )

In regards to safeness, again I would have to ask where you're wanting to attend college. I hear of someone getiing shot at least every other night, but its not in my part of town, usually in Oak Cliff or South Dallas

I'm planning on attending Texas Woman University, when I complete my core courses at community college.

good luck!

Answer 4

Those states are huge with lots of cities, be more specific.  I'd also take into consideration the culture in those places.  A lot of Tx is going to be conservative, etc.  For instance, Austin is really liberal whereas Dallas isn't.  So you can't really ask a question based on states.

Answer 5

It really depends on where in each state you end up going. Some areas in CA are very expensive, and others are cheap. Some are heavy crime areas, and others are very safe. Likewise with Texas. They are both HUGE states, and life in Los Angeles is different from Sacramento is different from Lake Tahoe. I can't just say CA is safer than TX, or vice versa. You have to be more specific.

It might be easier for you to identify some particular universities in those states that offer the things you want in terms of size, majors, reputation, academics, activities, and also look at them in terms of location, safety, expense and etc. Let the universities you like guide you in your research. Once you find some unis you like, ask about the safety of their campuses and the towns they are in, and the cost of living and etc.