Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 16.5% cheaper than Modesto, CA. This translates to saving $1239 per month.

What salary do I need in San Antonio, TX to live like I do in Modesto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $135,137.615 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Modesto, CA and San Antonio, TX?

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 32.1% cheaper than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Modesto, CA to San Antonio, TX?

Moving from Modesto, CA to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $1239 per month, or $14862 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs San Antonio, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.1K in San Antonio, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 16.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,239

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$424K

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$215K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K residents.

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs San Antonio, TX

Category	Modesto, CA	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,092/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $993less	32.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,287/mo	↓ $189less	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$913/mo	↓ $176less	16.1%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $77.00less	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$496/mo	↓ $34.42less	6.5%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$527/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.1%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$993

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.8%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$189

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.1%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$176

less

📦Other

↓ 4.5%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$77.00

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

Modesto, CA

$530

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$34.42

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.9%

Modesto, CA

$502

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$24.78

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,110

↓ $180

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,210

↓ $180

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,470

↓ $330

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$1,890

↓ $610

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$1,444

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

San Antonio

$424K

Median Value

$215K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 49% less expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - San Antonio

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Modesto, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

San Antonio, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Antonio, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.