Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Pembroke Pines, FL (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130

Modesto is 8% cheaper than Pembroke Pines.

$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 19%
$77,899/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,675/yr ↑ 5%
$415,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$411,700 ≈ Same
$1,613/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,717/mo ↑ 6%
218,614
Population
170,557

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Pembroke Pines, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $3,776/year higher in Pembroke Pines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $411,700 in Pembroke Pines.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Pembroke Pines residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Pembroke Pines — common questions

Is Modesto or Pembroke Pines 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 Pembroke Pines?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Pembroke Pines it's $1,910/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Pembroke Pines?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $81,675 in Pembroke Pines. Median household income is $3,776/year higher in Pembroke Pines.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Pembroke Pines?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Pembroke Pines details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield