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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Modesto is 31% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,609/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 45%
$77,899/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 41%
$415,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 46%
$1,613/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 48%
218,614
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $31,881/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Modesto or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Murrieta?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Murrieta?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $31,881/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Murrieta details →

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