Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Modesto is 64% more expensive than High Point.

$1,609/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 21%
$415,600 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 49%
$1,613/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 33%
218,614
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $16,671/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs High Point — common questions

Is Modesto or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and High Point?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or High Point?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $16,671/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and High Point

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles