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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Ontario

California
152

Modesto is 21% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 19%
$77,899/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 6%
$415,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 37%
$1,613/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 22%
218,614
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $4,907/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Ontario — common questions

Is Modesto or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Ontario?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Ontario?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $4,907/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Ontario

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa