Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Peoria, AZ (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Peoria

Arizona
125

Modesto is 4% cheaper than Peoria.

$1,609/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,743/mo ↑ 8%
$77,899/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,403/yr ↑ 20%
$415,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$429,400 ↑ 3%
$1,613/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,589/mo ↓ 1%
218,614
Population
194,338

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Peoria, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 125 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $15,504/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $429,400 in Peoria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Peoria — common questions

Is Modesto or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Peoria?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Peoria it's $1,743/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Peoria?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $93,403 in Peoria. Median household income is $15,504/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 125 with rent of $1,743/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Peoria

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Peoria vs. Huntington Beach Peoria vs. Knoxville Peoria vs. Overland Park Peoria vs. Vancouver Peoria vs. Sioux Falls Peoria vs. Glendale