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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Modesto

California
120

Garland is 20% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,525/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 6%
$74,717/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 4%
$248,900 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 67%
$1,445/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 12%
245,298
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $3,182/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Modesto — common questions

Is Garland or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Modesto?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Modesto?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $3,182/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 Garland or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Modesto

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley