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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Modesto

California
120

Irvine is 113% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,893/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 44%
$129,647/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 40%
$1,115,400 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 63%
$2,904/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 44%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,284/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $15,408/year.

Median household income is $51,748/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Modesto — common questions

Is Irvine or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Modesto?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $1,284/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Modesto?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $51,748/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Modesto details →

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