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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Glendale

California
214

Modesto is 44% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,609/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 30%
$77,899/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 8%
$415,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 151%
$1,613/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 37%
218,614
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $6,363/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Glendale — common questions

Is Modesto or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Glendale?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Glendale?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $6,363/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Glendale

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville