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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Modesto is 6% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,609/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 13%
$77,899/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 24%
$415,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 2%
$1,613/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 11%
218,614
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $18,358/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Richardson — common questions

Is Modesto or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Richardson?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Richardson?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $18,358/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Richardson

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater