Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Modesto

California
120

Atlanta and Modesto have a similar cost of living.

$1,617/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ≈ Same
$81,938/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 5%
$420,600 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 1%
$1,695/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 5%
499,287
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,039/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Modesto — common questions

Is Atlanta or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Modesto?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Modesto?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $4,039/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Modesto details →

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