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

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Modesto

California
120

Laredo is 44% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,001/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 61%
$63,264/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 23%
$182,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 128%
$1,066/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 51%
255,949
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $14,635/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Modesto — common questions

Is Laredo or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Modesto?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Modesto?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $14,635/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 Laredo or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Laredo and Modesto

Laredo vs. St. Petersburg Laredo vs. Irving Laredo vs. Lubbock Laredo vs. Chesapeake Laredo vs. Fort Wayne Laredo vs. Winston-Salem Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley