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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Concord

California
187

Modesto is 36% cheaper than Concord.

$1,609/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 38%
$77,899/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 40%
$415,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 82%
$1,613/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 42%
218,614
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $31,296/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Concord — common questions

Is Modesto or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Concord?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Concord?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $31,296/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Concord details →

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