Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Modesto is 111% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,609/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 41%
$77,899/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 33%
$415,600 ↑ 222%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 69%
$1,613/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 43%
218,614
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $660/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $7,920/year.

Median household income is $25,648/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Evansville — common questions

Is Modesto or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Evansville?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $660/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Evansville?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $25,648/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Evansville

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow