Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Modesto is 28% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,609/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 13%
$77,899/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 27%
$415,600 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 39%
$1,613/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 9%
218,614
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $21,315/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Modesto or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $21,315/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Bridgeport

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton