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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Modesto is 122% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,609/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 44%
$77,899/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 38%
$415,600 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 71%
$1,613/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 49%
218,614
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $29,224/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Modesto or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Brownsville?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Brownsville?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $29,224/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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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