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

Modesto

California
120
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Modesto is 32% more expensive than College Station.

$1,609/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 27%
$77,899/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 34%
$415,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 21%
$1,613/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 22%
218,614
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $26,123/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs College Station — common questions

Is Modesto or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and College Station?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or College Station?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $26,123/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and College Station

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette