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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Modesto is 52% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,609/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 32%
$77,899/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 39%
$415,600 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 225%
$1,613/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 45%
218,614
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $30,659/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Modesto or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Berkeley?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Berkeley?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $30,659/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Modesto or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Berkeley details →

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