Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Modesto is 47% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,609/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 51%
$77,899/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 54%
$415,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 152%
$1,613/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 51%
218,614
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $815/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $9,780/year.

Median household income is $41,986/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Modesto or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $815/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $41,986/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Huntington Beach details →

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Huntington Beach vs. Overland Park Huntington Beach vs. Peoria Huntington Beach vs. Sioux Falls Huntington Beach vs. Knoxville Huntington Beach vs. Grand Rapids Huntington Beach vs. Vancouver