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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Escondido

California
163

Modesto is 26% cheaper than Escondido.

$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,922/mo ↑ 19%
$77,899/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$84,477/yr ↑ 8%
$415,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$663,500 ↑ 60%
$1,613/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,022/mo ↑ 25%
218,614
Population
149,913

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
27.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Escondido, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $6,578/year higher in Escondido. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $663,500 in Escondido.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Escondido — common questions

Is Modesto or Escondido cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Escondido?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Escondido it's $1,922/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Escondido?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $84,477 in Escondido. Median household income is $6,578/year higher in Escondido.
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 Escondido?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Escondido has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,922/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Escondido details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Escondido

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Escondido vs. Bellevue Escondido vs. Jackson Escondido vs. Charleston Escondido vs. Joliet Escondido vs. Roseville Escondido vs. Surprise