Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Modesto is 36% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,609/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 16%
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 13%
$415,600 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 44%
$1,613/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 16%
218,614
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $10,141/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Hampton — common questions

Is Modesto or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Hampton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Hampton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $10,141/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Hampton

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Hampton vs. West Valley City Hampton vs. Cedar Rapids Hampton vs. Columbia Hampton vs. Dayton Hampton vs. Warren Hampton vs. Pasadena