Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Modesto is 18% more expensive than Provo.

$1,609/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 28%
$77,899/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 19%
$415,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 5%
$1,613/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 24%
218,614
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $457/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $5,484/year.

Median household income is $15,099/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Provo — common questions

Is Modesto or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Provo?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $457/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Provo?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $15,099/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

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