Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Modesto

California
120

Arlington is 21% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,389/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 16%
$73,519/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 6%
$276,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 50%
$1,420/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 14%
394,769
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $4,380/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Modesto — common questions

Is Arlington or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Modesto?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Modesto?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $4,380/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Modesto details →

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