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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Modesto

California
120

Miami is 8% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,657/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 3%
$59,390/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 31%
$475,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 13%
$1,666/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 3%
446,663
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,509/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Modesto — common questions

Is Miami or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Modesto?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Modesto?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $18,509/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 Miami or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miami and Modesto

Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley