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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Corona

California
173

Modesto is 31% cheaper than Corona.

$1,609/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,136/mo ↑ 33%
$77,899/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$106,438/yr ↑ 37%
$415,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$656,500 ↑ 58%
$1,613/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,280/mo ↑ 41%
218,614
Population
158,839

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Corona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $28,539/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $656,500 in Corona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Corona — common questions

Is Modesto or Corona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Corona?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Corona it's $2,136/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Corona?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $106,438 in Corona. Median household income is $28,539/year higher in Corona.
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 Corona?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Corona has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,136/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Corona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Corona

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Corona vs. Hayward Corona vs. Paterson Corona vs. Salinas Corona vs. Murfreesboro Corona vs. Palmdale Corona vs. Alexandria