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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Modesto is 8% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,609/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 8%
$77,899/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 4%
$415,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 5%
$1,613/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 14%
218,614
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $3,252/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Modesto or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Palmdale?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Palmdale?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $3,252/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Palmdale

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona