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

Modesto

California
120
VS

League City

Texas
114

Modesto is 5% more expensive than League City.

$1,609/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,628/mo ↑ 1%
$77,899/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$119,870/yr ↑ 54%
$415,600 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$334,000 ↓ 20%
$1,613/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,766/mo ↑ 9%
218,614
Population
114,885

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
16.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and League City, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $41,971/year higher in League City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $334,000 in League City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs League City — common questions

Is Modesto or League City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, League City is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and League City?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in League City it's $1,628/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or League City?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $119,870 in League City. Median household income is $41,971/year higher in League City.
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 League City?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while League City has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,628/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View League City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and League City

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley League City vs. High Point League City vs. Lowell League City vs. Richmond League City vs. East Los Angeles League City vs. Manchester League City vs. Carlsbad