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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Modesto

California
120

Plano is 10% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,792/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 10%
$108,649/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 28%
$440,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 6%
$1,829/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 12%
287,339
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $30,750/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Modesto — common questions

Is Plano or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Modesto?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Modesto?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $30,750/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Modesto

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley