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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Modesto and Pearland have a similar cost of living.

$1,609/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 9%
$77,899/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 44%
$415,600 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 20%
$1,613/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 22%
218,614
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $34,571/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Pearland — common questions

Is Modesto or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Pearland?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Pearland?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $34,571/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Pearland details →

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