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

Modesto

California
120
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Modesto is 13% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,609/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 14%
$77,899/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 54%
$415,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 6%
$1,613/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 30%
218,614
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $42,374/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs McKinney — common questions

Is Modesto or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and McKinney?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or McKinney?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $42,374/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and McKinney

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo