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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Modesto is 35% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,609/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 13%
$77,899/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 8%
$415,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 46%
$1,613/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 14%
218,614
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $6,056/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Modesto or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Mesquite?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Mesquite?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $6,056/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Mesquite

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford