Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Modesto is 52% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,609/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 21%
$77,899/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 16%
$415,600 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 50%
$1,613/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 27%
218,614
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $12,707/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Modesto or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Dearborn?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Dearborn?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $12,707/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Dearborn details →

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