Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Houston is 14% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $64,286 in Houston.
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. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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