Irving vs Modesto
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Irving
Modesto
The Verdict
Living in Irving costs 10.7% less than Modesto. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Irving, you would need $84,000 in Modesto.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Irving has the same purchasing power as $84,000 in Modesto.
Conversely, $75,000 in Modesto equals $66,964 in Irving.
Living in Irving vs Modesto
Housing Costs
Irving's housing index of 94 is lower Modesto's 121, translating to median home prices of $318,000 vs $380,000. The $62,000 difference in home prices means roughly $4,032 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,350/mo in Irving compared to $1,400/mo in Modesto, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Irving and 100 in Modesto. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Irving vs $475/month in Modesto. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 111 in Irving and 108 in Modesto. Monthly utility bills average approximately $444 in Irving vs $432 in Modesto. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 103 in Irving and 100 in Modesto. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,400 in Irving and $55,138 in Modesto. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $73,400 and $49,230 respectively. Irving residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,713/month to housing in Irving vs $1,287/month in Modesto. In Irving, median rent of $1,350/mo fits within this budget. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 27 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases