Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Modesto

California
120

Fremont is 132% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,905/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 45%
$176,350/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 56%
$1,289,400 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 68%
$3,000/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 46%
228,518
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,296/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $15,552/year.

Median household income is $98,451/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Modesto — common questions

Is Fremont or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Modesto?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $1,296/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Modesto?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $98,451/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Modesto

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley