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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Modesto is 97% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,609/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 41%
$77,899/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 25%
$415,600 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 64%
$1,613/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 38%
218,614
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $19,183/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois 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, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 120 (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 $951/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Peoria?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $19,183/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% 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 61 with rent of $951/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. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo