Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Modesto is 34% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,609/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 42%
$77,899/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 41%
$415,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 67%
$1,613/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 44%
218,614
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $677/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $8,124/year.

Median household income is $31,612/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Modesto or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $677/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $31,612/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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