salaryHouston is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Modesto to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,533
$1,988
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$1,761
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$86,162
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$442,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
104.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$2,835
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$166
👥 People living there
2,328,253
219,215
Commute to work
27.2 min
30.2 min
College degree
36.6%
21.2%
Own their home
42.1%
58.9%
Below poverty line
19.9%
13.3%
Unemployment
6.9%
7.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Modesto for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | Modesto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $34,910 | +58% in Modesto |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $101,640 | +58% in Modesto |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $73,730 | +48% in Modesto |
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $132,590 | +33% in Modesto |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $98,230 | +32% in Modesto |
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $77,370 | +31% in Modesto |
| Electrician | $59,180 | $76,710 | +30% in Modesto |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,560 | $173,380 | +29% in Modesto |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $1,988 in Modesto.
What salary do I need in Modesto to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $63,333 a year gives the same standard of living in Modesto.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Modesto?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $86,162 in Modesto, 19% more in Modesto.