Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Everett, WA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Modesto is 12% cheaper than Everett.

$1,609/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 4%
$77,899/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 5%
$415,600 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 28%
$1,613/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 8%
218,614
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $3,603/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Everett — common questions

Is Modesto or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Everett?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Everett?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $3,603/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Everett details →

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