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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Modesto is 45% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,609/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 18%
$77,899/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 6%
$415,600 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 50%
$1,613/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 22%
218,614
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $4,869/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Odessa — common questions

Is Modesto or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Odessa?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Odessa?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $4,869/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Odessa

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham