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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Modesto

California
120

Austin is 12% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,655/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 3%
$91,461/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 15%
$512,700 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 19%
$1,747/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
967,862
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,562/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Modesto — common questions

Is Austin or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Modesto?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Modesto?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $13,562/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Modesto details →

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