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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Modesto is 11% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,609/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 21%
$77,899/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 77%
$415,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 2%
$1,613/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 22%
218,614
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $59,612/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Modesto or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $59,612/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Sugar Land

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks