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

Modesto

California
120
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Modesto is 82% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,609/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 37%
$77,899/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 23%
$415,600 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 58%
$1,613/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 38%
218,614
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $17,734/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs McAllen — common questions

Is Modesto or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and McAllen?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or McAllen?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $17,734/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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