Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Paradise, NV (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Paradise

Nevada
99

Modesto is 21% more expensive than Paradise.

$1,609/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,287/mo ↓ 20%
$77,899/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$58,874/yr ↓ 24%
$415,600 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$358,400 ↓ 14%
$1,613/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,290/mo ↓ 20%
218,614
Population
186,178

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Paradise, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Paradise, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $19,025/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $358,400 in Paradise.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Paradise residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Paradise — common questions

Is Modesto or Paradise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paradise is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Paradise?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Paradise it's $1,287/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Paradise?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $58,874 in Paradise. Median household income is $19,025/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Paradise?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Paradise has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,287/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Paradise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Paradise

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Paradise vs. Tempe Paradise vs. Mobile Paradise vs. Brownsville Paradise vs. Newport News Paradise vs. Akron Paradise vs. Shreveport