Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Modesto

California
120

Arlington is 69% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,275/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 29%
$140,160/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 44%
$864,800 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 52%
$2,414/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 33%
235,463
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $62,261/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Modesto — common questions

Is Arlington or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Modesto?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Modesto?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $62,261/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Modesto details →

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