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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Modesto is 69% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,609/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 31%
$77,899/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 19%
$415,600 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 57%
$1,613/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 31%
218,614
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $15,179/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Abilene — common questions

Is Modesto or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Abilene?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Abilene?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $15,179/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Abilene

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland