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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Modesto is 74% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,609/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 35%
$77,899/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 20%
$415,600 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 55%
$1,613/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 33%
218,614
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $15,430/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Modesto or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Amarillo?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Amarillo?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $15,430/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Amarillo

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor