Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Modesto

California
120

Boston is 47% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,093/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 23%
$94,755/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 18%
$710,400 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 41%
$2,176/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 26%
663,972
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $16,856/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Modesto — common questions

Is Boston or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Modesto?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Modesto?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $16,856/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Modesto details →

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