Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Modesto is 107% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,609/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 39%
$77,899/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 33%
$415,600 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 71%
$1,613/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 39%
218,614
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $25,729/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Lansing — common questions

Is Modesto or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Lansing?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Lansing?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $25,729/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Lansing

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey