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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Modesto is 3% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,609/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 4%
$77,899/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 27%
$415,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 15%
$1,613/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 5%
218,614
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $21,216/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Modesto or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Carrollton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Carrollton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $21,216/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Carrollton

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman