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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Modesto is 60% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,609/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 29%
$77,899/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 25%
$415,600 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 53%
$1,613/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 27%
218,614
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $19,560/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Killeen — common questions

Is Modesto or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Killeen?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Killeen?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $19,560/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Killeen

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale