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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Modesto

California
120

Fort Worth is 19% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,412/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 14%
$76,602/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 2%
$277,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 50%
$1,489/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 8%
941,311
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $1,297/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Modesto — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Modesto?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Modesto?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $1,297/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 Fort Worth or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Worth and Modesto

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