Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Modesto

California
120

Los Angeles is 56% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,879/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 14%
$80,366/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 3%
$879,500 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 53%
$2,055/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 22%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $2,467/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Modesto — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Modesto?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Modesto?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $2,467/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Modesto

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley