Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Modesto

California
120

Denver is 22% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,770/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 9%
$91,681/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 15%
$586,700 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 29%
$1,839/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 12%
713,734
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $13,782/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Modesto — common questions

Is Denver or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Modesto?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Modesto?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $13,782/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Modesto

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley