Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Modesto is 8% more expensive than Eugene.

$1,609/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 16%
$77,899/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 18%
$415,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 5%
$1,613/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 12%
218,614
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $14,063/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Eugene — common questions

Is Modesto or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Eugene?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Eugene?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $14,063/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Eugene details →

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