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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Modesto is 11% more expensive than Brandon.

$1,609/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 5%
$77,899/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 1%
$415,600 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 29%
$1,613/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 4%
218,614
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $831/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Brandon — common questions

Is Modesto or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Brandon?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Brandon?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $831/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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