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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Modesto is 52% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,609/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 25%
$77,899/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 16%
$415,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 48%
$1,613/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 27%
218,614
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $12,372/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Tyler — common questions

Is Modesto or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Tyler?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Tyler?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $12,372/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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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