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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Modesto is 20% more expensive than Denton.

$1,609/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 16%
$77,899/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 5%
$415,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 22%
$1,613/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 9%
218,614
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $4,180/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Denton — common questions

Is Modesto or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Denton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Denton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $4,180/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Denton

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe