Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Fort Worth is 15% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $63,616 in Fort Worth.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Worth scores 96 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) match Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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