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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Modesto

California
120

Dallas is 19% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,403/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 15%
$67,760/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
$295,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 41%
$1,409/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 14%
1,299,553
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $10,139/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Modesto — common questions

Is Dallas or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Modesto?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Modesto?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $10,139/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 Dallas or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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