Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Modesto

California
120

Chandler is 12% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,806/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 11%
$103,691/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 25%
$469,800 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 12%
$1,743/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 7%
278,123
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $25,792/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Modesto — common questions

Is Chandler or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Modesto?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Modesto?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $25,792/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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