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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Modesto is 12% cheaper than Allen.

$1,609/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 17%
$77,899/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 66%
$415,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 3%
$1,613/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 29%
218,614
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $51,231/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Allen — common questions

Is Modesto or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Allen?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Allen?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $51,231/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Allen details →

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