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

Corpus Christi

Texas
78
VS

Modesto

California
120

Corpus Christi is 35% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,230/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 31%
$66,325/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 17%
$197,100 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 111%
$1,225/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 32%
317,383
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corpus Christi, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $11,574/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corpus Christi is $197,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Corpus Christi vs Modesto — common questions

Is Corpus Christi or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corpus Christi and Modesto?
Median rent in Corpus Christi is $1,230/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Corpus Christi or Modesto?
Median household income is $66,325 in Corpus Christi and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $11,574/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 Corpus Christi or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,230/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 Corpus Christi details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Corpus Christi and Modesto

Corpus Christi vs. Stockton Corpus Christi vs. Riverside Corpus Christi vs. Lexington Corpus Christi vs. Orlando Corpus Christi vs. Henderson Corpus Christi vs. Santa Ana Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley