Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Modesto is 97% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,609/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 35%
$77,899/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 40%
$415,600 ↑ 245%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 71%
$1,613/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 37%
218,614
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $31,271/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Rochester — common questions

Is Modesto or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Rochester?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Rochester?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $31,271/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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