Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Modesto is 10% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,609/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 11%
$77,899/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 12%
$415,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 48%
$1,613/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 10%
218,614
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $9,521/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Modesto or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $9,521/year higher in Modesto.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and East Los Angeles

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo