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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Salinas

California
156

Modesto is 23% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 20%
$77,899/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 14%
$415,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 47%
$1,613/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 19%
218,614
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $11,251/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Salinas — common questions

Is Modesto or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Salinas?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Salinas?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $11,251/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Salinas

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson