Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Modesto is 9% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,609/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 10%
$77,899/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 3%
$415,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 10%
$1,613/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 10%
218,614
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $2,036/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Modesto or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $2,036/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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