Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Modesto is 29% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,609/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 35%
$77,899/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 57%
$415,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 45%
$1,613/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 38%
218,614
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $44,330/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Modesto or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $44,330/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Elk Grove

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem