Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Modesto is 21% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,609/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 12%
$77,899/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 46%
$415,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 45%
$1,613/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 21%
218,614
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $35,497/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Arvada — common questions

Is Modesto or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Arvada?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Arvada?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $35,497/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Arvada

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence