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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Modesto is 5% more expensive than Cape Coral.

$1,609/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↑ 9%
$77,899/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↓ 2%
$415,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$339,200 ↓ 18%
$1,613/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↓ 6%
218,614
Population
206,387

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
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $1,837/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Modesto or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cape Coral is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $1,837/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 Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Cape Coral details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Cape Coral

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City