Cost of Living: Hialeah, FL vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Hialeah

Florida
109
VS

Modesto

California
120

Hialeah is 11% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,558/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 3%
$53,079/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 47%
$359,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 16%
$1,448/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 11%
221,901
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

35.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hialeah, FL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Hialeah, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $24,820/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hialeah is $359,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Hialeah residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hialeah vs Modesto — common questions

Is Hialeah or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hialeah is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hialeah and Modesto?
Median rent in Hialeah is $1,558/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Hialeah or Modesto?
Median household income is $53,079 in Hialeah and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $24,820/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hialeah or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Hialeah has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,558/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.
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