Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Modesto

California
120

Anaheim is 52% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,082/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 23%
$90,583/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 14%
$771,700 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 46%
$2,165/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 25%
344,553
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $12,684/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Modesto — common questions

Is Anaheim or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Modesto?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Modesto?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $12,684/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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