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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Modesto

California
120

Irving is 15% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,517/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 6%
$79,641/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 2%
$287,300 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 45%
$1,521/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 6%
255,036
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $1,742/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Modesto — common questions

Is Irving or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Modesto?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Modesto?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $1,742/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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