Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Richmond

California
161

Modesto is 25% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,609/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 18%
$77,899/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 16%
$415,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 56%
$1,613/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 25%
218,614
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $12,139/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Richmond — common questions

Is Modesto or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Richmond?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Richmond?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $12,139/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Richmond

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell