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

Modesto

California
120
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Modesto is 14% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,609/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 11%
$77,899/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 81%
$415,600 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 15%
$1,613/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 24%
218,614
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $63,454/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Modesto or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $63,454/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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