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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Modesto is 33% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,609/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 37%
$77,899/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↑ 20%
$415,600 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 69%
$1,613/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 38%
218,614
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $15,825/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Modesto or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Oceanside?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Oceanside?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $15,825/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Oceanside

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines