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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Frisco

Texas
162

Modesto is 26% cheaper than Frisco.

$1,609/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 18%
$77,899/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$146,158/yr ↑ 88%
$415,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$595,400 ↑ 43%
$1,613/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,389/mo ↑ 48%
218,614
Population
210,238

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
15.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Frisco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 162 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $68,259/year higher in Frisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $595,400 in Frisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Frisco — common questions

Is Modesto or Frisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 162 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Frisco?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Frisco it's $1,902/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Frisco?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $146,158 in Frisco. Median household income is $68,259/year higher in Frisco.
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 Frisco?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Frisco has a cost index of 162 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Frisco details →

More Comparisons

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