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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Modesto

California
120

Fresno is 16% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,324/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 22%
$66,804/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 17%
$348,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 19%
$1,391/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 16%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $11,095/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Modesto — common questions

Is Fresno or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Modesto?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Modesto?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $11,095/year higher in Modesto.
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 Fresno or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Modesto details →

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