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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Modesto is 21% more expensive than Midland.

$1,609/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 13%
$77,899/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 17%
$415,600 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 28%
$1,613/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 9%
218,614
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $13,270/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Midland — common questions

Is Modesto or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Midland?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Midland?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $13,270/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Midland

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven